The Swift Current Broncos have named Emanuel Viveiros their new head coach and director of player personnel, the team announced Thursday morning.
Board chair Liam Choo Foo says Viveiros will be in charge of the hockey side of the organization, including making trades, but will not be in charge of scouting or business aspects. "We have been through a very thorough and meticulous process to make our selection,” said Broncos Board Chairman Liam Choo-Foo said in a statement.
Viveiros takes over from Mark Lamb who left for a job with the American Hockey League's Tucson Roadrunners. Viveiro told reporters in Swift Current on Thursday that he was very happy that Lamb left the organization in "such a healthy state".
Viveiros brings with him an extensive coaching and playing resume. The St. Albert, Alberta, native is a former Prince Albert Raider, winning a Memorial Cup in 1985. Viveiros was named WHL Player of the Year in 1985-86 recording 92 points. He then moved on to the Springfield Indians of the American Hockey League, winning a Calder Cup in 1990-91. The 50-year old appeared in 29 games for the Minnesota North Stars before moving on to Europe where he was a part of four National Championship organizations.
Viveiros made the move to coaching in the 2006-07 season, where he again captured a national championship. The move to the Western Hockey League marks a return to Canada for the St. Albert, Alta. native. “On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to thank the Swift Current Broncos organization for this opportunity to become part of the Broncos family,” said Viveiros during a Thursday morning press conference by telephone.
Viveiros comes to the Broncos from Ingolstadt, DEL in Germany. He also served as coach and general manager of EC Klagenfurt in Austria where he won two championships in 2009 and 2013. The 50-year old was also the Head Coach of the Austrian hockey program, going to the Olympics in Sochi in 2014. He says he's excited to be back in Saskatchewan where he started his hockey career so many years ago.
The Board Chair also announced that Jamie Porter will serve as the team's Director of Hockey Operations while Dianne Sletten moves from Assistant G.M. to Director of Business Operations.
Broncos training camp goes at the end of August. The season is set to open on September 23rd at the Credit Union iPlex in Swift Current when the Broncos host the Saskatoon Blades.
