The Bonnyville Pontiacs are pleased to announce the extension of GM/Head Coach Rick Swan?s contract.
Coach Swan joined the Pontiacs for the 2012-13 season as Associate Coach/Associate GM and was promoted to Head Coach/GM the following season. During his tenure with the Pontiacs, Swan has built a team culture that has seen players and the organization thrive. A total of 83 players have received College scholarships since he took over the reins.
He is the Pontiacs? winningest coach, has two 40-win seasons, and is a three-time Team Canada West Coach, winning gold and bronze medals at the WJAC. In addition, Coach Swan was Co-Coach for Team AJHL at the Junior Club World Cup in Sochi Russia in 2019, where his team won silver. He has been named AJHL Coach of the Year (2015-16) and in 2020 was awarded the Order of Merit from Hockey Alberta.
“I?m very happy to have Rick staying on with our organization,? stated Pontiacs President Ron Rusnak. ?He has a great track record with us, and we hope to continue our successful relationship going forward. Rick enjoys the respect of teams and players throughout North America and we are very proud to have him as a member of our organization.?
?I?d like to thank the Bonnyville Pontiacs Board of Directors for extending not only myself, but our entire staff, the opportunity to continue coaching in this great organization,? said Coach Swan. ?I love the Bonnyville community and together, I believe that we are building something special as an organization. I am very excited to be able to continue building a program that our fans and our community can identify with and be proud of.?