SWIFT CURRENT — The Swift Current Broncos don’t often hold media availabilities to address issues away from the ice, but on Thursday the organization felt it was necessary.
With the team navigating an already challenging season, the Broncos gathered reporters to publicly express their support for the coaching staff and respond to anonymous online criticism that has circulated in recent weeks. Those comments, shared primarily on social media, have questioned the team’s direction, the conduct of its coaches, and alleged favouritism toward the sons of staff members currently behind the bench.
If there was any doubt about where the franchise stands, Broncos chairman of the board Trent McLeary quickly removed it.
“On behalf of the Swift Current Broncos board of directors, we would like to provide an update on the current state of the organization and express our full support for the coaching staff.”
That support comes during a season already rocked by upheaval. On November 14, head coach Dean DeSilva resigned after a WHL investigation determined he breached league standards of conduct during two separate on-ice incidents while administering discipline. The league issued a five-game suspension to DeSilva and fined the Broncos $10,000.
In the aftermath, assistant coach Regan Darby was thrust into the role of interim head coach, with Travis Moen remaining on staff as an assistant. Neither, McLeary stressed, signed up for what followed.
“Given the level of coaching turnover we have experienced in the past several seasons, the board felt it was essential to prioritize stability for our players, staff and the fans moving forward.”
Stability, however, doesn’t shield people from social media.
McLeary acknowledged that Darby and Moen have faced significant online criticism, much of it questioning motives rather than methods. Some of it has targeted the presence of their sons on the roster. And that, McLeary said, is where the organization felt compelled to step in.
“They’ve been taking some flak from certain fans online and social media, which is absolutely unwarranted. If people have a problem with the way they coach, they can always come to me.”
McLeary leaned heavily on credibility — Moen’s nearly 750 NHL games and Stanley Cup ring. Darby has eight years of professional hockey experience across multiple leagues and continents. Their reputations were built long before they ever wore a Broncos coach’s logo.
“They are respected in the hockey world, and they’re respected for their game off the ice,” McLeary said. “They’re solid character people.”
Broncos’ general manager Chad Leslie followed with perhaps the most direct rebuttal to the accusations circulating online.
“At no point did either individual lobby for or request the inclusion of their respective sons on this team. All decisions related to player personnel fall under my authority.”
Leslie detailed those decisions.
Carter Moen, he noted, is a first-round pick and a cornerstone of the organization’s young core. Hudson Darby was acquired for his experience — 118 regular-season games and 33 playoff games with Portland — and for what he could provide to a transitioning roster.
“From a hockey perspective, Hudson’s experience has been exactly what our young club required,” Leslie said. “He has exceeded expectations within his role.”
Leslie also pointed out that four local players currently wear Broncos jerseys — something the organization views as a point of pride, not suspicion.
“Our 1989 Memorial Cup championship team also featured four local players. We believe strong local representation is something to be celebrated and is an important part of our organization’s history and identity.”
The message from both men was consistent: this was not about reacting to a single comment or post. It was about protecting people, according to McLeary.
“We wanted to show our support for them. Show our support for the players that we have, and that they’re valued commodities. They’re valued pieces of our community and of our organization.”
McLeary was asked if the criticism had reached another level.
“Maybe, but we want to support our people. We want to put that to bed.”
The board also addressed the future, confirming a full-time head coach search will take place in the summer.
“We don’t want to rush and hire somebody that might not be the right fit,” McLeary said. “We want to make sure everything’s very thoughtful and transparent.”
In the meantime, Leslie and the Broncos are leaning into support — not just publicly, but structurally. Third-party reviews of operations. Senior NHL-level advisors. Mental performance coaching. And direct input from experienced NHL minds, including Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska.
“Coaches need to be coached too.”
As for the local players caught in the middle of the noise, McLeary didn’t shy away from how difficult that can be in a small market.
“It’s hard for the kids, for their parents, for everyone involved, but the majority want you to succeed. We’re proud of you.”
In a league where teams often let results speak for themselves, the Swift Current Broncos chose words instead.