The Humboldt Broncos continue to inch closer to the start of their 2018-2019 season, and a lot of the hard work in preparing for the season is complete.
The latest step saw the Broncos fill three key organizational positions, with the hiring of Scott Barney as assistant coach, Tyrol Deeg as athletic therapist, and Rhett Blackmur as volunteer assistant coach.
Barney, a 39-year-old Ennismore, Ont. native, joins the Broncos after a lengthy professional career, which included 27 National Hockey League games with the Atlanta Thrashers and Los Angeles Kings.
Barney’s career also took the former forward all over the world playing professionally in the American Hockey League, as well as Germany, Finland, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, China, and Japan.
“I feel very honored and privileged to have been given the opportunity to help lead the Humboldt Broncos organization. I am looking forward to becoming a part of the community of Humboldt and towards a successful season,” said Barney in a press release.
“I’m looking forward to bringing the knowledge I have learned from various coaches all over the world and sharing it with the players and people in Humboldt. I am excited to get the season going and to bring a positive and hardworking mentality daily to the arena and community.”
Deeg, a 37-year-old Wynyard native, joins the Broncos after spending last season serving as the athletic therapist for the Vernon Vipers in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).
Deeg’s career has spanned 13 years, and includes stops in the British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey Leagues. He got his start with the Nipawin Hawks.
“I grew up in the area and I am excited to come home and help rebuild the Broncos organization,” said Deeg in the release.
“I feel blessed to be in Humboldt at this point in my career and to be a part of something that goes beyond hockey.”
Both Deeg and Barney are expected to begin their new positions just prior to the start of training camp.
“I have ensured that our new hires are well aware of the big shoes they are filling in these two important positions,” said head coach Nathan Oystrick in the release.
“They both have a great deal of respect and admiration for their predecessors and will be working to build upon their legacies.”
Blackmur, a 25-year-old Saskatoon native, will also be joining the Broncos staff this year serving in the role as volunteer coach.
Blackmur spent three seasons playing for the green and gold from 2011-2014 where he posted 35 points in 127 games.
After his playing career concluded, Blackmur elected to remain in the Humboldt area, and currently serves as service manager at Discovery Ford.
Blackmur also spent last season serving as head coach of the Midget AA Broncos.
“After spending my junior career as a player in Humboldt, it’s very special for me to now become part of the organization in a different role,” said Blackmur in the release.
“I’m looking forward to getting started.”
With the key hires now complete, the Broncos will turn their attention to the beginning of camp, which kicks off at the Elgar Petersen Arena on Aug. 24.
