The Devon Xtreme of the Alberta Junior Hockey League is extremely proud to announce the team has hired Kelly Buchberger as the team’s inaugural Head Coach and General Manager. Kelly joins the team with a wealth of knowledge and experience from not only his extremely successful playing career but also from his most recent coaching endeavors.
Kelly’s playing career boasts 13 years with the Edmonton Oilers including two Stanley Cup Championships. He’s won multiple awards including most popular player, community service and the players player award. Kelly has been a leader on every NHL team, being named Captain of the Oilers, Atlanta Thrasher’s, and Assistant Captain of the LA Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Upon retiring from the NHL, Kelly immediately went on to coach in the NHL, AHL and WHL. From 2008-2014 Kelly was the Assistant Coach for the Edmonton Oilers where he coached alongside Craig McTavish, Pat Quinn, Tom Renney, Ralph Kruger and Dallas Eakins. From 2021-2024 Kelly was the Assistant Coach of the Montreal Canadians AHL affiliate Laval Rocket.
“Kelly brings a wealth of experience and passion to the position,” stated Craig Kibblewhite. “He checked off all the boxes we had when looking for a new Coach/GM. We would like to welcome Kelly to the Devon Xtreme and NAX team.”
Kelly expressed his excitement with the following statement: “I am excited to join NAX and Devon Xtreme of the Alberta Junior Hockey League! I would like to thank the ownership group for the opportunity and look forward to building an inclusive, competitive culture. We as an organization, will build a team that will develop young men into great hockey players and even better people. Our coaching staff will be open and honest with our players to ensure we are all on the same page. We want players to enjoy their time in Devon and to fulfill their dreams of becoming elite hockey players. Also, we will never forget that we were players at one time. It is a hard road to realize those dreams and we will be there for our players. Go Xtreme! Go NAX!” – Kelly Buchberger.
Welcome aboard Kelly!
