Bob Woods is leaving the Saskatoon Blades after two years coaching and managing the WHL team.
Woods is returning to the NHL, signing on as an assistant coach with the Buffalo Sabres.
“This was too great of an offer to pass up,” Woods said in a news release.
“It’s a chance to work alongside a Stanley Cup winning coach who also coached in the AHL. It’s an example I’d love to follow. I have mixed emotions leaving the Blades since the team is turning the corner but I know the players are in great hands.”
Dean Brockman, who’s spent the past two seasons as the Blades’ assistant coach, will take over head coaching duties.
The 48-year-old Brockman joined the Blades after 17 years coaching the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Humboldt Broncos.
He won the Royal Bank Cup twice — in 2003 and 2008 — with the Broncos.
“We have a room full of great players who have outstanding character,” Brockman said of the new opportunity with the Blades.
“They’ve taken great strides during our time together and I can’t wait to work with them to seize the opportunity we have in front of us.”
Colin Priestner, a managing partner, will be taking over Woods’ general manager job.
“We believe Dean is a great fit to carry on to what we have been building for three years while adding a different perspective to our players,” said Priestner, who’s overseen the Blades last three drafts.
Woods was an assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals before joining the Blades.
--- CTV's Stu Gooden is live at a Blades' news conference, outlining the team's coaching and managing changes:
