BERKLEY, Mich. – The Berkley Bruins will have a new assistant coach this season and one that is very familiar with the Midwest Junior Hockey League.

Mike Rumps will join head coach Dan Pszenyczny behind the bench for the 2014-15 season after serving as head coach of the Dayton Aeros and NWO/Michigan Grrrowl franchises during the inaugural season of the MWJHL in 2012-13.

Rumps has 16 years of coaching experience and will bring that limitless knowledge to Berkley.

“I ran into Dan at the rink, got to talking and things got going from there,” said Rumps. “At this level, it’s all about instilling discipline and confidence with these kids. I feel I have the knowledge of the game to establish a positive relationship with the young men we’re coaching not only in hockey, but in life as well.”

Bruins’ general manager Mike Janish said having two knowledgeable coaches to serve as mentors to the players is a positive situation all the way around.

“When you have two individuals like Dan and Mike that have the knowledge to teach the game to players at this level, that’s a recipe for potential success,” said Janish. “If our players buy in to what Dan and Mike are teaching and establishing here, that’s a positive experience that means results on so many levels.”

Rumps added that the MWJHL has grown tremendously since he was last involved with the league.

“The league has established sound ownership in the league and has shown it is capable to draw top quality players by continuing to grow and molding these young men to the next level,” Rumps said.

The Bruins start their second MWJHL season in Berkley on Friday, Oct. 4, with their home opener against the MC Monarchs. Game time is set for 4:30 p.m. at the Berkley Ice Arena.