An overriding theme from the people who knew Brano and had worked with him, was his willingness to help other coaches and other student-athletes become better coaches and players, and to achieve their goals. His history and record at Blake School speaks for itself and for the athletes he helped to succeed in the sport he loved. He impressed all those who knew him, with a high sense of integrity and ethics. One close friend described him as, “an ambassador for girl’s hockey”. Another described Brano as, “having a great impact on people”. As a coach his contributions to Blake Hockey were tremendous. In his 14 seasons as Blake’s coach, his teams compiled a record of 290-74-19. He led his team to nine conference championships, and four state tournament appearances. In those 4 appearances Blake won the title three times, in 2003, 2007, and 2009. He was awarded Blake’s Coach of the Year in 2007, and the Minnesota Class 1-A Coach of the Year in 2009. He was also Section Coach of the Year on three occasions, in ‘02, ‘04, and ‘09. Brano made many great contributions to our Coaches association. These include his time as President of the MGHCA from 2008-2010. He was a Section Rep. from 2005-2007, the Awards Committee from 2008-2010, and also a member of the All-State Selection Committee. He was one of the hardest working coaches at the MGHCA Development Camp, and the players often enjoyed his compassion and wonderful sense of humor. Brano went to Taft High School in Chicago, and college in River Falls Wisconsin, where he was an Oostendorf Award (Scholar-Athlete) in 1978 and 1979. He was captain at River Falls in 1979-80, and selected as MVP that same year. He was also a draft of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1975. He was a board member of the Steven Square Foundation, and CFO of Creative Health Care Management for 20 years, as well as its owner during his last 12 years. Last year the MGHCA initiated the Brano Award, going to individuals who have been involved in the MGHCA and the many programs that it offers. The first recipient of that award was fellow inductee, Tim Morris. A quote from one of Brano’s players goes like this, “As good as coach was with teaching the X’s and O’s of hockey, he was even better about developing the person inside the jersey”. Brano is survived by his wife Margret, daughters’ Molly Stankovsky, and Mrs Angie Dahlof. We all miss him and welcome him into our Hall Of Fame !