will be back this fall working in the rink where he spent his entire minor hockey career and the early years of his coaching journey.
After guiding the Surrey Eagles to a berth in the RBC Cup national junior "A" championships, the Ladner native has left the B.C. Hockey League club to work as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Giants.
"We are excited to add Matt to our staff as he has a strong winning record in Midget and Junior A and has worked at all levels to become a better coach," said Giants' general manager and executive vice president Scott Bonner. "Matt should help add a fresh, positive vibe to our group which will help us take great strides with this younger group."
"I'm looking forward to working with Matt as he joins our coaching staff," added Giants' head coach Don Hay. "Matt is a young and exciting new coach who will bring fresh ideas to the table for the Vancouver Giants."
Soon after graduating from Quinnipac University where he earned a full-ride scholarship, Erhart began his coaching career with the South Delta Minor Hockey Association. An impressive run concluded with guiding the Bantam A1 Storm to a rare berth into the provincial championships. That team included former Vancouver Giants star and Montreal Canadiens rookie standout Brendan Gallagher. The roster also featured Josh Nichols, Colton Jobke, Taylor Peters and Spencer Humphries who have all signed pro contracts.
Erhart moved onto the B.C. Major Midget Hockey League where he came within an overtime goal of guiding the Greater Vancouver Canadians to a provincial title. The 34-year-old then landed with the team where he enjoyed a standout junior "A" career as a player. He spent three seasons behind the Eagles bench.
"It's a bittersweet day when you have to leave a program that you've been a part of as a player and a coach," said Erhart. "The Eagles gave me a great opportunity to be a head coach and general manager in the BCHL, and I'll always be thankful for that.
"With the Giants, it's a chance to further my coaching career, and I couldn't pass it up."
