Learning Never Stops for Axemen Head Coach Darren Burns

Veteran bench boss enjoying SeaDogs role as part of continued growth for himself and the Acadia program.

Acadia Axemen Head Coach Darren Burns is adding another chapter to his long coaching resume.

On March 8, Burns joined the Saint John SeaDogs organization as a senior adviser and assistant coach, supporting Acadia Axemen alumnus (’98) Brian Casey and his coaching staff. Casey, who was named interim head coach of the SeaDogs on February 26, is no stranger to the Axemen program. An AUAA All-Star and member of Acadia’s 1996 National Championship team, Casey now finds himself working alongside a familiar face — Burns served as an assistant coach on that same championship-winning squad.

For the Axemen bench boss, the opportunity has been both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.

We asked Burns what it’s been like coaching alongside Casey, he said, “It’s been a great experience coaching with Case. Anyone that knows him gets excited to see him everyday. He has that personality; you know he’s there for you and excited to work together with you.
He has done an excellent job. I’ve always felt the best coaches in any sport are real and you see their true personality on display when they’re in the work environment. He’s passionate, extremely knowledgeable and most importantly will go through the wall for his players on and off the ice.”

Burns is also deeply familiar with the Saint John organization on a personal level. His son Brady, who has led the Axemen in scoring the past 3 seasons, spent five seasons with the SeaDogs from 2018–2023, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and helping lead the club to a Memorial Cup championship in 2022.

After 25 years behind the Acadia bench, stepping into a different environment has offered a unique perspective for the longtime Axemen head coach.

When asked about the experience of being behind the SeaDogs bench over the past several weeks, Burns said, “Theres no question it’s a new experience not being behind the Axemen bench. After my family and close friends, Acadia Hockey has been my whole life and I don’t regret that for a second. It’s something that’s been engrained in me because of what Acadia Hockey has given me. Being able to have this opportunity with Saint John also carries many of the same feelings because of what this program has done for my family. About eight or nine years ago a relationship started that has created lasting memories and friendships. The Seadogs organization has now given me an opportunity to learn a lot over the past few weeks from ownership, management staff and players. This game is like life itself, you can learn everyday, and I am trying to do just that.”

As the QMJHL regular season concludes and Saint John prepares for the first round of the playoffs, Burns has been impressed with the group he has joined during the stretch run.

Asked about the SeaDogs’ play heading into the postseason, Burns said, “Anyone involved in hockey knows that playoffs are a special feeling. I have been overwhelmed by the positivity and willingness to learn by this group of players here. They are young, energetic and want to get better. They should feel very confident heading into post season. The future for this team is extremely bright and I think they will take full advantage of this opportunity to better themselves as players and as a team. I am very excited to be with them and share in their enthusiasm.”

While Burns’ focus has temporarily expanded, his foundation remains firmly rooted in Wolfville. The experience, he says, is already providing valuable insight he plans to bring back to the Axemen program.

“This experience has been tremendous for me. I have learned a lot everyday and it’s also helped me draw many parallels of good things we are doing at Acadia. You also get to see things we can do on and off the ice to create the best environment for the players. I’ve witnessed professionalism, enthusiasm and an environment where people go out of their way to care about each other. I don’t think there is anyone that would disagree that this is a blue print to succeed.”

Following their playoff run, Burns will remain a Senior Adviser with the team, but will return full-time to his head coaching duties with the Axemen. With recruiting and preparations already underway, the Acadia program will benefit from the added experience and perspective gained during his time in Saint John as the team turns its attention toward the 2026–27 U SPORTS season.

The Acadia Axemen wish Coach Burns, Coach Casey, and the Saint John SeaDogs continued success as they begin their QMJHL playoff journey. #AcadiaPride