In an announcement likely to send shockwaves throughout the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, the Estevan Bruins have announced Dwight McMillan will be their next head coach and general manager.
McMillan has guided the rival Weyburn Red Wings for much of the past 30 years and is the winningest coach in junior A hockey history.
Although details on the hiring are still emerging, it appears a chance meeting last week led to the Bruins luring McMillan away from the Wings.
The veteran coach was in the Energy City March 25 for the new arena fundraising dinner in Spectra Place and ran into Bruins' team president Jeff Pierson. McMillan apparently was so impressed with the beautiful new facility and the Bruins' plans to go after the Royal Bank Cup that he decided make the move south and pursue a third national championship.
The Bruins began the hunt for a new head coach and general manager in early March and according to Pierson received over 40 applications from throughout Canada and the United States. However Pierson noted the opportunity to land a legendary coach like McMillan was tough to pass up.
"Dwight's record of success speaks for itself," said Pierson. "With the move to Spectra Place, this is an important time for the Bruins franchise and we are excited to have a veteran coach leading the way."
