The Humboldt Broncos have looked to a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League alumni to fill their void at assistant coach.

Strasbourg product, and former Estevan Bruin Mark Cross was hired by the team Wednesday.

The 26 year-old is excited for his first junior hockey coaching assignment.

"I've always had a lot of respect and admiration for the Broncos organization. When I was growing up they were always the epitome of a class act organization. I threw a resume in and when I found out I received the job I was very thrilled."

Following three years in Estevan, Cross went on to a five year hockey career at York University in Toronto. He graduated with a degree in Kinesiology and minor in business. He is also coming off a season as an assistant coach with the AA midget program in Lumsden.

He feels his five years in the Canadian Interuniversity Sporting world with the Lions will serve him well, especially playing under former National Hockey League player.

"It was a step up for me, I got to experience a lot of different situations. i was very fortunate I got to play under Chris Dennis who was with the Maple Leafs for ten years. He was very influential on me and I learned a lot from him."

Cross will replace Brayden Klimosko who accepted a position in Drumheller of the Alberta Junior Hockey League earlier this summer.

"I think my playing experience was a big part of it," Cross said of what made him attractive to the organization. "It wasn't too long ago I was sitting where those players are and I think there is some useful feedback I can give the guys in certain areas that I wish I had when I was growing up playing."

Cross will get to work on tying up loose ends and preparing for the move, he should be with the club in early August.

You can hear more from who spoke with Bolt FM's Clark Stork Wednesday morning.