Valley Huskers welcome new head coach, assistant head coach

CHILLIWACK – The Valley Huskers have announced a new era for the franchise with the hiring of Kevin Phillips as head coach and Ryk Piché as assistant head coach.

According to a news release, the duo brings more than two decades of head coaching experience in British Columbia, championship pedigrees, and proven player-development pipelines. Together with a strong supporting roster of coaches, they’re poised to lead the Huskers into the upcoming Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) season.

“From provincial championship success to coaching at the university level, we’re excited to welcome Kevin and begin this next chapter of Huskers football,” the Huskers said. “Join us in welcoming Coach Phillips to the Valley!”

Phillips returns to British Columbia fresh off a stint with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, where he served as quarterbacks coach and offensive assistant. Prior to his coaching experience in Ontario, Phillips cemented his reputation as one of B.C.’s premier offensive and developmental minds, most recently contributing to Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary’s provincial championship victory last season.

Joining him at the helm is longtime colleague and rival Ryk Piché. Having coached both alongside and across the sidelines from one another for over 20 years, Phillips and Piché share a deep football chemistry and a shared standard of excellence.

Ryk Piché has been named assistant head coach of the Valley Huskers, alongside head coach Kevin Phillips.

Together, the pair previously guided Centennial Secondary to two provincial Championships, capturing titles at both the JV and varsity levels.

Over their combined 20-plus years leading programs in British Columbia, Phillips and Piché have established a track record of preparing student-athletes for the next level. Under their mentorship, numerous players have advanced to the professional ranks, earned scholarships across NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, and junior college programs in the United States, and starred across U SPORTS in Canada. They have spent over two decades shaping the landscape of B.C. football, winning championships, and consistently sending athletes to U SPORTS, the NCAA, and the pros.

Their familiarity with one another and their commitment to developing young men both on and off the field will be pivotal in 2027 and beyond.

For Phillips and Piché, the move to Chilliwack represents an opportunity to build a premier junior football destination in the Fraser Valley by leveraging their deep local recruiting ties and national university connections.

Piché said, “Our goal is simple: build a tough, disciplined team that competes every snap and gives players across B.C. the best possible platform to reach the university and professional levels.”

Off-season preparations and recruiting are already underway as the new staff starts assembling its roster and coaching personnel ahead of spring camp.

Based in Chilliwack, British Columbia, the Valley Huskers compete in the British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC) of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL), providing elite post-secondary football opportunities and community leadership throughout the Fraser Valley.