The Fredericton Freeze – along with the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association – will celebrate five-year anniversaries next spring.
Amazing, really.
From six teams kicking off the inaugural season in 2022, to expansion and four years of exciting basketball on and off the court, the MWBA is preparing for another season in 2026.
For the Freeze, there will be some changes.
After four years as general manager and handling basketball operations, Brad Janes will step aside, ushering in a new leadership crew.
Bram Russell will assume basketball duties for the Freeze, effective Sept. 1.
‘I’ve had four fun-filled seasons performing a variety of roles and surrounding the Freeze with inspirational help from so many others,’ said Janes. ‘I felt the time was right to step away from day-to-day operations of the Freeze. It’s a huge task and one that Bram is willing to take on.’
Janes will remain in the organization, playing a behind-the-scenes role, for 2026.
‘I know the MWBA very well and what makes it tick, so it makes sense to stick around in some capacity to help guide the transition,’ Janes said. ‘Bram is familiar with the Freeze and as he continues to learn more about the MWBA, it’s good to offer some continuity.’
Russell is coming off his final season as head coach of Basketball New Brunswick’s Canada Summer Games team. The team earned a quarter-final berth and showcased a scrappy style of play, ultimately finishing in a respectable eighth spot when it was all said and done.
He’s excited to jump into the Freeze.
‘I have watched the Freeze since its inception and we absolutely love the MWBA and what it brings,’ said Russell. ‘My daughter Bailey has played with the Freeze for a couple years now and the experience has been amazing for her. Brad had mentioned to me in May that he was looking at really ensuring the league kept rolling and maybe he would step away from the Fredericton team. After some back and forth I agreed to come on board, and with the support of my wife Bridget the deal was done. We agreed it would be beneficial for Brad to stick around for 2026 and see where it goes from there. I am very excited to begin the work required for next season.’
Russell, a Newfoundland native, played four seasons with the University of New Brunswick, amassing 609 points and 368 rebounds in 78 Atlantic University Sport games.
He has coached a number of seasons with BNB and remains an assistant coach with Fredericton High Black Kats boys’ AAA team with former UNB teammate, Mike King.
A decision has not been made on the Freeze coaching staff for 2026.
A veteran crew of Kevin Daley, Anthony Ashe and Ashley Smith have called the shots for the Freeze the past three seasons.
‘Now that my summer coaching commitment is over, it’s an opportunity to focus on what 2026 looks like for the Freeze,’ said Russell. ‘We want to put the best product on the court and have a great coach on the sideline to navigate it. Who that will be is still yet to be determined.’
The MWBA will host its annual general meeting in October.
Expansion remains on the docket with an Oct. 17 deadline for a potential eighth team.
