Riders' O'Day believes positive steps taken in 2024
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Work has now begun on evaluating the roster ahead of the 2025 season.
The mood around the Saskatoon Blades’ locker room on Monday afternoon was a happy one. Sure, the team was losing a good head coach in Brennan Sonne, but they were promoting one of their own in Dan DaSilva.
“We’re so happy for our teammate Brennan for getting an opportunity in the American Hockey League,” said general manager Colin Priestner.
“It’s the second coach that we’ve promoted to pro in the last three years and it’s something that we’re really proud of. We wanted to extend a special thank you to Brennan for everything he did for not only us not just as a club here, but also the guidance and leadership he gave to DaSilva. He gave him the tools, education and experience for him to be where he is today.”
DaSilva was born and raised in Saskatoon and started coaching in the organization back in 2021 shortly after retiring from playing professional hockey and was hired to be an assistant under Sonne. From there, the two helped lead the Blades to a record of 131-54-14 and two appearances in the WHL Eastern Conference Championship Series.
Brennan Sonne speaks to the media for the final time before departing for a new coaching job in Coachella Valley in California. (Shane Clausing/650 CKOM)
According to Priestner, newly named Coachella Valley Firebirds head coach Derek Laxdal called him last Monday asking for permission to speak with Sonne.
That then led to the Seattle Kraken General Manager Ron Francis following up and reiterating the organization’s interest in Sonne. Coachella Valley is an AHL affiliate for the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
After a couple interviews, the Firebirds offered Sonne the job of assistant coach in Coachella Valley.
Laxdal and Sonne are taking over from Dan Bylsma and Saskatchewan native Jessica Campbell, who were promoted to the Kraken coaching staff from the Firebirds just a couple weeks ago after the Kraken fired head coach Dave Hakstol.
“It happened really quickly,” said Sonne when asked about his new job in Coachella Valley.
“So quickly that I’m almost still in a little bit in shock. For both organizations to get it together so quickly, it’s a blessing that it’s not drawn out.”
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Sonne said he doesn’t have much past experience working with Laxdal, but is looking forward to see how Laxdal can help develop his coaching skills.
Laxdal had coached in the WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings from 2010-13, and won two WHL championships and a Memorial Cup.
Sonne calls it a big opportunity for him to have the chance to go to the pro ranks and get closer to making one of his dreams come true.
“I have two main goals in life. One is professional — and that goal is to win a Stanley Cup — and then I have a personal goal … to be the best dad that I can possibly be,” he explained.
Sonne added that the nice thing about getting the job in Coachella Valley in California was the fact his daughter’s grandparents live in Palm Springs during the winter – giving them the opportunity to see their granddaughter on a daily basis.
When it comes to the road ahead for DaSilva, Sonne thinks he’s more than ready despite only having three years of experience as an assistant coach.
“It’s quick, but no less deserved. He’s right there, he’s ready and he could not be more ready. As quick as it is, he’s already at the place where he knows what he’s doing,” Sonne said.
“He knows the game, he knows the work and he knows the players. Every player not just loves him, but respects him immensely,” Sonne said.
“He truly cares about those kids, he cares about them developing, them growing, them as human beings and he cares about accountability and a standard.”
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