‘Prioritize stability’: Swift Current Broncos to engage third party for review amid organizational turmoil

The Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Swift Current Broncos are conducting a comprehensive review of its operations, including an internal and third-party review, the team announced earlier this week.

The update comes after the Broncos have had two head coaches dismissed in three years following league investigations into misconduct.

“Given the level of coaching turnover the organization has experienced over the past several seasons, the board felt it was essential to prioritize stability for our players, staff, and fans moving forward,” team board chair Trent McCleary said during a media availability Thursday.

“At the same time, the board recognized the need for a comprehensive review of internal operations to ensure the organization is properly positioned for long term success.”

In 2023, then head coach Devan Praught was suspended for violating the league’s conduct policy following an incident during a team practice Nov. 13, 2023.

The Broncos and Praught parted ways upon the completion of the suspension on Nov. 29, 2023 before naming Taras McEwen as coach.

At the end of the 2025 regular season, Swift Current announced it again had a head coaching vacancy, parting ways with McEwen.

In July 2025, the Broncos hired Dean DeSilva as the teams’ new bench boss – a tenure which would last just four months.

In November of last year, the WHL suspended DeSilva for also violating the league’s conduct policy.

On Nov. 14, 2025, DeSilva resigned from his position.

• WHL suspends Swift Current Broncos Head Coach amid investigation

Assistant coach Regan Darby has assumed the role of head coach on an interim basis since.

“It was never my intention for Regan Darby or Travis Moen to take on increased roles within the club this season,” general manager Chad Leslie said. “I’m extremely appreciative of everything they have done and continue to step up to do.”

McCleary says the organization has implemented new structures and procedures to better support the day-to-day operations of the club.

It has also employed the services of an external third party to conduct a full review of its policies, practices, and procedures.

“In addition, we have engaged multiple senior level advisors with NHL experience to provide support in the areas of sports psychology, mental performance coaching, physical wellness and strategic hockey operations,” McCleary added.

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The team says it remains supportive of its coaching and operations staff, as well as players, as the Broncos continue through a transitional period.

“We’re absolutely into rebuild or reset mode,” McCleary said. “From the beginning of the season, [Leslie] let us know exactly where the franchise is at and we are in a growth mode.”

“But we’re always going to be in a growth mode because we are trying to develop players,” he added.

Swift Current brass says Darby is expected to remain in the role as head coach for the remainder of the season, before hiring a new full-time replacement in the summer.