Brad Fast, a native of Fort St. John, British Columbia, returned to Michigan State not just as an alumnus but as the program’s Director of Player Development, a role he has held since 2015. His appointment came after a distinguished playing career that took him from the Carolina Hurricanes’ draft floor in 1999 to professional stints in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and South Korea.
Fast’s on‑ice résumé includes a third‑round NHL selection by the Hurricanes and a decade of overseas experience that honed his adaptability and tactical acumen. After hanging his skates in 2011, he founded Elevation Hockey, a training organization that has since become a pipeline for talent across age groups, while also serving as the hockey director of the Lansing Hockey Club.
A New Era of Development
Under Fast’s guidance, the Spartans’ power play climbed to a .271 success rate in the 2023‑24 season, a marked improvement that reflects his focus on special‑teams strategy. The offensive output doubled from 76 goals in 2021‑22 to 147 goals the following year, a surge that has been attributed to his systematic approach to player growth and confidence‑building.
Fast’s impact extends beyond the collegiate rink. He has personally mentored 18 players to achieve new personal bests in offensive production, a testament to his data‑driven yet player‑centric coaching philosophy. His work aligns with broader community initiatives, as he frequently collaborates with local schools and youth programs to promote sport and education.
A graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in general management and psychology, Fast balances his professional duties with family life, often involving his wife Lindsay and their children — Riley, Beckett and Gavin — in outreach activities. His brother Nash Nienhuis, a former collegiate forward, and cousins Mike Towns, Adam Nightingale, and the Fast siblings collectively illustrate a deep‑rooted hockey lineage that enriches the Spartans’ culture.