Crickard hired by WHL's Broncos

Jeff Parsons/Newfoundland Regiment

Travis Crickard is heading west.

The WHL's Swift Current Broncos named Crickard their new general manager and head coach on Friday. The Broncos had the second worst record in the WHL this past season, finishing 15-44-4-5.

From the Broncos:

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Travis to the Swift Current Broncos,” said Broncos Chairman of the Board Trent McCleary. “Travis brings a wealth of coaching and general manager experience at the CHL level, along with a deep understanding of the standards and expectations within Hockey Canada programs. He understands the importance of building something our fans and city can be proud of and is fully invested in this organization and the people who support it every day. We are confident that his leadership, vision, and dedication will have a lasting impact on our players both on and off the ice, and we’re excited to see where he can help take the Broncos moving forward.” 

“My family and I are truly honoured and grateful for the trust the Broncos Board of Directors have shown in me to serve this storied program and the city of Swift Current,” said Crickard. “We admire the community connection the team has and want to build a team and program the people of Swift Current will be proud to support. The Board of Directors and current staff members have done marvellous work to build a values-driven foundation to help guide the organization. I look forward to helping bring those values to life and make a positive difference in the personal and hockey growth of our players.”

Crickard and the Sea Dogs parted ways on Feb. 26. He had been the team's head coach since the 2022-23 season and was an assistant coach during the 2021-22 campaign, working under Gordie Dwyer and Gardiner MacDougall. The 39-year-old left the Sea Dogs with an 80-158 record as head coach.

Crickard was also Saint John's general manager from Oct. 2024 to Dec. 2025.

This won't be Crickard's first stint in the WHL. He was an assistant coach and goaltending coach with the Kelowna Rockets from 2014 to 2019.

The Broncos, who play in one of the CHL's smallest markets, have not had much success since winning the WHL championship in 2018. Since then, they've reached the 40-win mark once and have only won one playoff series. It will be interesting to see what Crickard can do with the organization, especially in the new recruiting landscape.