Blades head coach Brennan Sonne leaving Saskatoon for American Hockey League – Saskatoon

Blades Head coach Brennan Sonne will head to the American Hockey League for the 2024-25 season, ending his three-year career with the Saskatoon team.

According to a release from the Blades, Sonne has accepted an assistant coaching position with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate.

“I’m very proud of my time in Saskatoon. We accomplished a lot, won a lot of games, but most importantly, we brought some incredible human beings into the world,” Sonne said.

“I would like to thank the fans. I have had some incredible nights behind this bench. I wish the Blades every success and I will be cheering them on.”

Sonne took his first Western Hockey League position as head coach of the Blades in July 2021. Under his leadership, the team reached back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

The release added that Sonne’s playoff record with the Blades is 20-16, including four series wins and the historic sweep against Red Deer in 2023.

Blades general manager Colin Priestner said Sonne will go down in Saskatoon hockey history as one of the best coaches.

“It’s always bittersweet to lose a fantastic coach, but we couldn’t be happier for Brennan and his family to have the opportunity to coach in the American Hockey League after three fantastic years with us,” Priestner said.

“He will be remembered as one of the best coaches in Blades history, with everything he accomplished here, but also the impact he left on our culture, staff and players that will continue to bear fruit for years to come.”

Priestner said he thought Sonne would coach in the NHL A day.

Sonne will be alongside new Firebirds head coach Derek Laxdal next season.

“Brennan is a great addition to our coaching staff. He is an up-and-coming coach with a proven track record in the WHL of building relationships and developing players,” said Laxdal. “We are excited to have him join us, Stu Bickel and the rest of our great team as we begin our season in the Coachella Valley.”

© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.