Brent Sutter, President and General Manager of the Red Deer Rebels, has announced that Steve Konowalchuk has been named the sixth head coach in team history. In April, Sutter announced that he would be stepping down from the role of head coach stating that the team was in need of a different voice moving forward.  

“I would like to thank Brent Sutter and the Red Deer Rebels for the opportunity to coach in the WHL again. The organization has established itself as a top franchise in the league, and I look forward to working with the staff and players on reaching the organization’s high expectations. I would also like to express my gratitude to the New York Rangers for the opportunity given to me over the past three seasons,” said Konowalchuk.

Konowalchuk joins the Rebels from the New York Rangers, where he is currently a Pro Scout. Before his time with the Rangers he spent one season as an Assistant Coach with the Anaheim Ducks. From 2011 to 2017, he lead the Seattle Thunderbirds as their head coach, including back to back WHL Finals appearances in 2016 and 2017, culminating in a WHL Championship in his final season. Over the 6 seasons, he lead the Thunderbirds to a 219-176-22-15 record, and coached notable NHL players including Matthew Barzal (NYI), Ethan Bear (EDM), Shea Theodore (VGK), & Keegan Kolesar (VGK).

Konowalchuk also spent 13 seasons as a player with the Washington Capitals before retiring after two seasons with the Colorado Avalanche in 2006. He appeared in 790 NHL games, compiling 396 points in that time.

“Steve is the right coach at the right time for our hockey club. He is a person of high character, whose intensity and work ethic match that of our organization and community. With Steve’s winning pedigree, we have the right leadership to become a championship calibre team. We welcome Steve and his family to Central Alberta,” said Brent Sutter.

After his duties with the Rangers are complete, Konowalchuk will join the Rebels in August. The team hopes to add an assistant coach this summer.