Robert Murray/WHL
Eastern Division, Insight, Interviews

Manny Viveiros moving on from the Swift Current Broncos

Written by Brandon Rivers on

At a news conference earlier today, head coach and director of hockey operations of the Swift Current Broncos announced that he is leaving the team and taking a position as assistant coach with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.

Viveiros looked back at his two seasons behind the bench in Swift Current.

“My time the last two years here has been some of the most memorable of my career in Europe of in North America. I’m so proud of the way the kids held themselves on and off the ice this year. Our kids were great ambassadors for the city of Swift Current and the Broncos organization,” Viveiros said.

Viveiros coached the Broncos for two seasons after coming over from ERC Ingolstadt of the DEL.

photo-Robert Murray/WHL

Viveiros went on to say how proud he is the young men he got to coach.

“Our job here is not just to produce talented hockey players but it is to produce outstanding citizens as well.”

Viveiros took over from the defensive minded Mark Lamb and immediately changed the style of the team. Under Viveiros, the Broncos employed an up-tempo system. It worked.

After eight straight years of not getting past the first round, the Broncos ousted the Moose Jaw Warriors in seven games in 2016-17, moving on to the conference semi-finals. They were ousted by the eventual Eastern Conference champion Regina Pats in the second round.

“The success the last two seasons does not happen without Ryan Smith, Jamie Heward and probably our other associate coach Jamie Leblanc. Without him we don’t survive. He does so much in the dressing room and outside stuff with our kids.”

This year under Viveiros, the Broncos went 48-17-5-2 for 103 points. That is the most for the franchise since 1988-89.

Even though he only spent two years with the Broncos, Viveiros’ run with the team is a memorable one for both him and the fanbase.

“I will always be a Bronco forever. I will always have close ties here to Swift Current.”

photo-Robert Murray/WHL

Viveiros led the Broncos by the Regina Pats in seven games year. They then ousted the Moose Jaw Warriors in seven and Lethbridge Hurricanes in six. Then they won their first WHL championship since 1993 by beating the Everett Silvertips in six games.

In the Memorial Cup, the Broncos lost three straight by one-goal and were eliminated by the host Regina Pats on Wednesday night.

Viveiros moving on to the Oilers has long been rumored as the Oilers look to bounce back after a tough season.

“Anytime you get the opportunity to get an NHL job you have to take a look at it. They’re a real good organization and they are from my hometown. I grew up watching them and there is a special place in my heart for the Oilers and there always will be.

“That team has an opportunity to win really quick.”

Viveiros joins another former Swift Current Broncos head coach in Todd McClellan. From 1994-2000, McClellan was the behind the bench from the Broncos, thrice winning 44 games or more.

Viveiros’ departure leaves a big hole with the Broncos as he was head coach and also director of hockey operations. He was in charge of making trades for the team as well. Those trades were key this year in getting the first Ed Chynoweth Cup for Swift Current in 25 years.

Director of business operations Dianne Sletten also announced that she was moving on at the press conference. According to the Broncos, she was the first woman placed in this role in the WHL.