The influence of Brian Forsythe on the Hoop Classic is easy to quantify. While coaching the Harrison Trimble Trojans, he was one of the tournament founders, served on its committee, coached in the tournament more than 20 times and served as an Honorary Chair. His influence on basketball in Greater Moncton is similarly apparent. After his stint at Harrison Trimble from 1982-1996, he coached the Riverview High Royals until 2006. He coached the Trojans to two provincial titles, and won Basketball New Brunswick’s Coach of the Year 3 times before becoming an Honorary Lifetime BNB Member in 2004 and a member of the Trojan Hall of fame in 2007. 

Brian passed away in January 2023 and the Crandall University Hoop Classic is honored to present the Brian E. Forsythe Coaching Award to a deserving coach in Greater Moncton annually in his name. But it’s not because of an accumulation of years coaching, or awards won, or championships won that we honor him. It’s because of the legacy he left behind and what the young men he coached and influenced have gone on to accomplish in his wake. Men like our inaugural winner, Ryan Johnston, who uses the lessons taught by Brian and coaches just like him to positively influence young men and women, both on the basketball floor and off. In this spirit, we present the award to one Greater Moncton area coach every year who goes out of their way to give their time, energy, and passion to helping young people become better basketball players, better students, and better people than when they met them.