Chris Tok

As the Austin Bruins enter their fifth season, they are more ahead of the game than ever before.

The Bruins now have co-owners in Craig Patrick and Mike Cooper, and Cooper’s role has made Bruins’ head coach Chris Tok’s job much easier. Tok has been able to spend more time coaching the team and less time dealing with managerial items than ever before.

“Things were quite a bit easier this year,” Tok said. “Things were already in place and done, so you can actually do more things [with the team]. We’re steps ahead each year, because you’re able to set things in stone.”

Tok’s time with the team is especially valuable this season as the Bruins bring in 18 new players and looks to reload after making it to the Robertson Cup Finals last season. That run helped boost the community’s interest in the Bruins, and it’s certainly a far cry from the team’s first season when Tok recalled fans asking him if the Bruins played basketball or la crosse.

Austin Bruins owner Craig Patrick stands with Papa Murphy’s owner Mike Cooper, who was named minority owner of the team in July. Herald file photo

With former Bruin Christian Folin playing with the Minnesota Wild and many other Bruins moving on to Division I schools, Patrick said the team has built a reputation where fans are looking forward to getting to know the players.

“We’ve got really hard working guys who are really respectful of the spot they’ve earned,” Patrick said. “I think people are excited to see who’s next. I’m just real happy that the fans support our guys, and I’m excited to see who’s going to step up this year.”

The Bruins are also boosting their gameday experience this season. The team will have $100 cash giveaways on game nights, a $1,000 puck shot, a remote control aircraft flying around the arena, and updated lasers and lights. Bruins’ goals will also be extra special as fans will be able to purchase Bruins’ balls and throw them on the ice whenever Austin scores during a game.

As for Tok, he no longer has fans asking him what sport the Bruins play. He said the questions have become more focused on the success of the team.

“Now everybody’s asking if we’re going to be as good as last year,” Tok said. “The questions people ask have really changed, and they want us to win. They love seeing guys move on, and they’re always asking about Nick [Lehr] with the Gophers.”