X-Men Hockey pleased to welcome Daniel Nikandrov to coaching staff

ANTIGONISH, NS – STFX men's hockey head coach Brad Peddle is pleased to welcome Daniel Nikandrov to the coaching staff as the new full-time assistant coach.

"We are very pleased to welcome Daniel to our X-Men Hockey program," comments Coach Peddle. "He is a bright up and coming coach with both playing and coaching experience at elite levels in the OHL and U SPORTS. He also has a strong background with minor hockey and development camp programs in the Toronto area. He comes highly recommended from former coaches and colleagues and will be a great addition to our staff. We look forward to seeing Daniel in town very soon."

Nikandrov comes to STFX via Ontario with a diverse hockey coaching background. He served as an assistant coach with the Barrie Colts of the OHL in 2021-22, and prior to that assisted for the 2019-20 season with the York Lions of the OUA conference within U SPORTS, also his alma mater. Since 2019, Nikandrov has been a lead instructor with Direction Hockey based in Toronto, along with assuming head coaching responsibilities with various minor teams in the Don Mills Hockey organization since 2020. He was awarded the 2022-23 Don Mills Flyers Coach of the Year award.

Nikandrov was an All-Canadian athlete and an assistant captain at York University, completing his BA Honours degree (Business & Society, Global Economy, Law & Governance) in 2020 after playing three full seasons. He was a team captain with the Sarnia Sting for five years in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and finished out his major junior playing career with the Peterborough Petes.

"I am thrilled to be joining the X-Men Hockey program at St. Francis Xavier University," notes Nikandrov. "I am eager to learn about the culture, people, and institutions of Antigonish which bring StFX to life. StFX carries a treasured reputation for character, academics, and athletics and I am looking forward to working with the staff and players to meet and exceed these expectations."

Nikandrov will assume his coaching responsibilities with the X-Men in early August.

(30)