It’s been a busy July for the Swift Current Broncos. The team is going through some major changes among players and hockey staff. As well, some former Broncos players have signed or re-signed in the AHL and NHL.
July 3
The Toronto Marlies announced the signing of forward Giorgio Estephan. Estephan notched 12 goals and 16 assists in his final year in the WHL with the Broncos throughout 30 games.
July 10
New head coach of the Broncos, Dean Brockman, made his first trade as part of the Broncos organization with the acquisition of Colum McGauley (LW) from the Kelowna Rockets. In 47 games last season with the Rockets, McGauley earned 2 points in the form of goals during his rookie season.
July 11
New Director of Business Operations, Nathan MacDonald, was hired to replace Diane Sletten who had previously served six years with the organization. MacDonald has earned his MBA in Hockey Management and has previously worked at Crowe MacKay LLP in Calgary.
July 13
Ryan Smith left the Broncos organization, along with Jamie Porter and Brian Leavold. Smith was later announced as an assistant coach with the Medicine Hat Tigers.
July 20
Former Swift Current Broncos forward and captain, Adam Lowry, was re-signed by the Winnipeg Jets at 3 years for 8.75 million dollars.
July 23
Jamie Heward left Broncos organization and was hired by the Vancouver Giants as an associate coach.
July 27
Two players were signed by the Broncos. Joona Kiviniemi (LW), from Finland. Ryan Pouliot (D), originally from Ottawa, was claimed off waivers from the Kootenay Ice.
July 30
Head Coach, Brockman, made another off-season trade, sending defenseman Sahvan Khaira (D) to the Everett Silvertips in exchange for forward Ethan O’Rourke and a third round pick in the 2020 bantam draft.
Also, it was announced that the Broncos signed newcomer, Roope Pynnonen (D), who was a 119th selection in the import draft that took place in June.
The faces in the organization may be changing, but the goals have not. In spite of losing some familiar and trusted names, the Broncos seem to be making changes that have the potential for a good outcome throughout the 2018-2019 hockey season.
