BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Bloomington Bison Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations, Phillip Barski, announced today that Wacey Rabbit has been named an assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 season. Additionally, Keith Kling has joined the Bison as Head Athletic Trainer.

“We’re extremely excited to add Wacey to our staff,” said Barski. “Throughout this process, we were looking for someone who brings experience, character, leadership and a strong ability to develop and communicate with players. Wacey checked all of those boxes. He has been part of winning organizations, understands what it takes to be a professional, and I believe his personality and values will fit extremely well with the culture we’re continuing to build in Bloomington.”

Rabbit joins Bloomington after spending the previous season as an assistant coach with the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants. Prior to his time in Vancouver, he spent three seasons with the Saskatoon Blades (WHL) and helped the organization record two 100-point seasons while advancing to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals. Rabbit began his coaching career with the British Columbia Hockey League’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to join the Bloomington Bison and work alongside Barski and the rest of the staff,” said Rabbit. “There are a lot of exciting pieces in place here, and I’m looking forward to building relationships with our players, helping them develop and doing everything I can to help this organization win.”

Hailing from the Kainai First Nation in Alberta, Canada, Rabbit has served as a mentor and ambassador for Indigenous hockey, using the game to develop young athletes both on and off the ice.

Before transitioning into coaching, Rabbit played 15 seasons of professional hockey and logged over 300 American Hockey League games and over 150 ECHL games in addition to gaining experience in Europe and Asia. He was routinely acknowledged as a leader and served captain roles in the WHL (Saskatoon), the ECHL (Jacksonville) and in Europe. He was selected by the Boston Bruins in the fifth round of the 2005 NHL Draft.

Kling spent the last two seasons with the SPHL’s Macon Mayhem as the team’s head athletic trainer and recently received the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society’s EMS Excellence Award.

“We’re excited to welcome Keith to the Bison,” said Barski. Our players’ health and well-being come first, and having someone they can trust and feel comfortable with is an important part of that. Keith brings valuable hockey experience to our staff, and we look forward to the role he will play in caring for our players and supporting their preparation and recovery throughout the season.”

Prior to his time in Macon, the St. Catherine’s, Ontario native worked with the Ontario Hockey League’s Sudbury Wolves and Barrie Colts. Kling has earned bachelor’s degrees in both kinesiology and athletic therapy.

Single-game tickets for Opening Night 2026 on Saturday, October 17 at 7 p.m. are ON SALE NOW! Don’t miss the next biggest game in Bison Hockey history- secure your seat today by visiting bloomingtonbisonhockey.com or call (309) 965-HERD for more information.