(Red Deer Rebels/Rob Wallator)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

"a pleasure and an honour"

Rebels Head Coach Steve Konowalchuk resigns for personal reasons

May 18, 2023 | 11:20 AM

Steve Konowalchuk has stepped down as head coach of the Red Deer Rebels.

The move comes due to personal/family reasons, the club says.

It also comes just a couple weeks after the Rebels won three straight games, then dropped four in a row against Saskatoon in the second round of the WHL Playoffs.

During his end of season media availability, Rebels Owner, President and General Manager Brent Sutter gave Konowalchuk a vote of confidence, with all signs at the time pointing toward his return for a third season.

“It’s disappointing to see Steve resign. But I also understand when it comes to personal/family reasons. He’s a great coach, and even more so a great man. I want to thank Steve for the outstanding job he did here for two seasons,” said Sutter on Thursday. “I wish Steve and his wife Leah all the best moving forward.”

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In two years behind the Rebels bench, Konowalchuk compiled an impressive 86-36-3-3 regular season record and guided the team to two playoff series wins.

The Rebels won 40 games in back-to-back regular seasons for the first time since 2001-03 and won the Central Division title in 2022-23. Konowalchuk was named Central Division Coach of the Year in 2021-22.

“I am very sad to be leaving the Red Deer Rebels organization,” Konowalchuk said.

“It was a pleasure and an honour to work with Brent, Shaun, and Merrick Sutter. The Rebels are truly a first-class organization in every way. I wish them and the players all the best going forward.”

On the phone to rdnewsNOW from his Seattle home, Konowalchuk said one thing which attracted him to Red Deer was that his dad lived in Leduc. Sadly, he passed away about a year ago.

He also shared that his daughter has a child now, so the decision is a lot about trying to recapture that work/family balance.

Konowalchuk says he isn’t done coaching, but that he needs some time to figure out that balance.

“I want to thank the best fans in the WHL, and the community of Red Deer for all their support.”

Konowalchuk had one year remaining on his contract.

His favourite memories include the 15-game winning streak to start the 2022/23 season, as well as Jayden Grubbe’s series-winning triple overtime winner against Brandon in the first round of last year’s playoffs.

In addition to Konowalchuk’s departure, the team announced that Assistant Coach Ryan Colville will not be returning after five seasons with the club, as he plans to pursue other professional opportunities.

“I’ve had a great experience in my five years in Red Deer, I believe I’ve grown as a coach, and as a person under both Brent and Steve,” Colville said.

“I’m grateful for my time with the Rebels. I know that the experience here will serve me well moving forward and has prepared me for the next steps in my career.”