Dean Brockman steps down as head coach-GM in Swift Current

Five games into their 2021-22 regular season, the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos are in the market for a new head coach and general manager.

In a media release Thursday, the Broncos announced Dean Brockman was stepping down as head coach-GM effective Friday.

The release didn’t include a reason for Brockman’s departure.

“My experience with the Broncos has been great, and will miss the incredible support of the community,” Brockman said in the release. “I appreciate the time I’ve been able to spend here, especially with the amazing group of players in that locker room over these past three seasons.

“I am reassured by the fact that the Broncos are in a great place moving forward, with dedicated and excellent people throughout the organization that can take this franchise forward and continue to build towards sustainable success.”

Associate coach Devan Praught will become the interim head coach and assistant general manager Chad Leslie will assume the role of interim GM while the team searches for a replacement for Brockman.

“Both Chad Leslie and Devan Praught were selected for their original roles because of their character, knowledge, and abilities to act as leaders for the organization,” Trent McCleary, the chairman of the Broncos’ board, said in the statement.

“We have confidence in both individuals that they can carry out the roles and responsibilities required of their interim positions within the vision, mission, and values of the Broncos organization, and maintain the trajectory of the Broncos while the board conducts their search.”

Brockman joined the Broncos for the 2018-19 season and since has guided them to a 29-118-8-5 record, including a 2-3-0-0 slate this season.

Prior to moving to Swift Current, he had spent four seasons on the Saskatoon Blades’ coaching staff after a 17-season run with the SJHL’s Humboldt Broncos.

“Dean took on an incredible challenge when he accepted his role with the Swift Current Broncos, and because of his commitment to the organization’s long-term sustainability and success, the Broncos are now in a position to achieve great things moving forward,” McCleary said.

“His selfless approach to his roles and responsibilities dramatically sped up the Broncos’ rebuilding cycle from the commitments to the 2017-18 championship season, and our organization is incredibly grateful for his efforts, sacrifices and leadership.”

The Broncos are to visit the Brandon Wheat Kings on Saturday.