Mount Royal University Cougars Athletics & Recreation

Bert Gilling began his hockey journey in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, playing for the Estevan Bruins. A native of Alexander, Manitoba, Gilling went on to play NCAA hockey with the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, where he was named team captain in his final season. His excellence on and off the ice was recognized through various accolades, including being a nominee for the College Hockey Humanitarian Award and WCHA Student-Athlete of the Year. Bert was also named Rasmussen Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year at Duluth and was a three-time Academic All-WCHA honoree. He made the Dean’s List and received the Top Scholastic Player award from his junior club in 1993.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Bert completed his Master’s degree in Sports Studies at Bemidji State University. During his time at Bemidji, he served as the men’s hockey assistant coach and academic advisor, further honing his coaching and leadership skills.

In 2014, Gilling joined Mount Royal University as the head coach of the men’s hockey team. He quickly established a new culture within the program and led the Cougars to their first-ever playoff victory over the Saskatchewan Huskies in his debut season. Since then, Bert has won the prestigious Canada West Coach of the Year award twice.

In 2021, Gilling was named to coach at the U SPORTS All-Star Series, leading a team of Alberta-based post-secondary players against Canada’s World Junior trial teams. His dedication to player development and team culture has made him a highly respected coach within the hockey community, and he continues to drive the Cougars toward greater success.