After first making their intentions known during a press conference in the days following the April 6 bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos, the club has made it official: there will be a team for the 2018-2019 season.
The first steps were taken on May 11 when the club announced it was beginning the search for a new head coach and general manager.
“There remains much to do to rebuild the team, therefore steps are now being taken to slowly return the club to routine hockey operations,” the Broncos organization announced in a press release.
Broncos club president Kevin Garinger admits it will not be easy finding someone to fill the shoes of former head coach and GM Darcy Haugan, who was killed in the crash.
“Darcy Haugan was selfless, inspirational and motivating, building up his players to be great ambassadors and role models both on the ice and in the community,” Garinger said. “He was the coach every player wanted, and that other coaches wanted to emulate.”
Haugan, who took over the franchise in August 2015, made an immediate impact, trading away fan-favourite 20-year-olds for a number of prospects who, over the next couple of seasons became key contributors to the club.
After missing the playoffs in his first season, Haugan’s Broncos bounced back over the next two seasons, finishing fifth both years. Haugan improved the team’s points tally year over year, from 39,
to 64, and ultimately 72 this past season.
“As a general manager, Darcy made smart decisions and was driven to ensure the Broncos organization succeeded in every aspect of its operations,” noted Garinger in the press release.
“He took our team to new heights – it will be incredibly difficult to find someone that can rise to his standards.”
With the announcement that the Broncos are officially looking for a head coach and GM, the club also announced an invitation-only camp to be held in Saskatoon May 25 to 27. The camp will not be open to either the public or the media.
The Broncos also announced seasons tickets will soon be on sale, and while the club expects demand to be high, their intention is to give past season ticket holders first right of refusal.
“The Humboldt Broncos remain committed to supporting everyone who has been impacted by the tragic event of April 6, 2018. Together we will move forward, #HumboldtStrong.”
