Rebels And Thoma Part Ways

Press Release

RED DEER, AB – Brent Sutter, President/General Manager/Head Coach of the Red Deer Rebels Hockey Club, announced today Assistant Coach Bryce Thoma will not return to the team’s coaching staff after a mutually agreed upon decision.

Thoma had been on the Rebels coaching staff since 2008, and was the head coach of Team Alberta in the Western Canada Under-16 Challenge Cup this past November in Calgary.  Team Alberta won the silver medal.

Thoma played four seasons with the Rebels from 1999-2003 and was part of the 2001 Memorial Cup Championship team.  After his time with the Rebels, he went on to play for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies hockey program and graduated with a degree in commerce.  Thoma then spent the next two seasons playing professional hockey before starting his coaching career.

Brent Sutter –“Bryce and I recently sat down to talk about what would be best for the organization, what was best for Bryce professionally, and what was best for his family.  It was after that discussion we agreed that it was time to go our separate ways.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for Bryce and the job he did here.  Much like when he was a player with our team, Bryce came to work every day with passion for the game and great knowledge. We all wish Bryce, and his family, the best in their future endeavors; he will always be a Rebel.”

Bryce Thoma – “I’m very thankful for my five years here as a coach and four years as a player.  Central Alberta has been a great home to me and my family.  It’s hard to leave here, but the time has come for a new challenge.”

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)