Regina Pats not extending contracts for head coach, associate head coach

The Regina Pats announced they will not extend head coach Brad Herauf and associate coach Ryan Smith after a first-round playoff exit. Jacob Carr has more.

The Regina Pats will not be extending the contracts of both head coach Brad Herauf and associate head coach Ryan Smith.

The Pats made the announcement Tuesday morning. The move comes after the team was eliminated in the first round of the WHL playoffs, losing out in five games against the Medicine Hat Tigers.

• ‘We’ll be back’: Tigers comeback from 3-goal deficit, win in overtime to eliminate Pats in Game 5

“Brad has been a big part of our organization for a long time,” Pats General Manager Dale Derkatch said in a news release.

“From his work behind the bench to the relationships he built with our players, he’s made a lasting impact during his tenure. We thank him for his commitment and wish him all the best moving forward.”

Derkatch went on to also praise Smith’s work ethic and professionalism in addition to his connection with players.

“We thank him for his contributions and wish him the best in his next opportunity,” Derkatch added.

Herauf was with the organization for 11 years prior to Tuesday’s news, eight as an assistant coach, and the past three as the head coach of the club.

Derkatch said there was no tipping point when it came to making the decision to let Herauf go, simply that the club is looking for a new voice to lead the team.

“I think there are some maybe philosophical things that might not align between Brad and I, but for the most part, I think I just want a fresh voice, someone new. He was with the organization a long time, good man.”

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

Derkatch had previously been quoted as wanting team stability, during the Pats garbage bag day earlier this month; but also said he would be doing a top to bottom team evaluations that included staff and players.

Those close to the team, like Pats’ colour commentator Drew Postey, says he believes there were a few factors that led to the staff shakeup.

“Some people might be surprised because the Pats did reach the goal that they wanted to this year. But those two things, Ken Schneider retiring, Dale taking over as GM, usually present opportunities to start fresh and hire your own staff.”

Derkatch is looking for a good communicator in the team’s next coach, that can connect with the players, along with speeding up the club’s pace of play.

“I think, overall, style of play. I mean, we’re moving in here with, I think a lot of good young players … We should play an up-tempo game with speed and be aggressive.”

The team said the search for a replacement head coach and associate head coach is already underway.