(Red Deer Minor Hockey)

By Ian Gustafson

New voice

Bob Rutz named head coach of U18 AAA Red Deer Optimist Chiefs

Jul 7, 2025 | 1:10 PM

The U18 AAA Red Deer Optimist Chiefs will have a new head coach behind the bench starting this fall.

Bob Rutz, who has over 20 years of coaching experience, will take over the reigns from former head coach Tyler Lightbown who stepped down in February after five years in the role.

“I’m excited to take on this role with the Optimist Chiefs,” said Rutz in a media release by Red Deer Minor Hockey on their website. “The opportunity to work with talented young athletes and help them grow both as players and individuals is something I’m truly passionate about. I look forward to building on the foundation that has already been set and driving this team toward greater success in the future.”

Most of Rutz’s coaching experience has taken place in Red Deer including two seasons as an assistant coach with the U18 AAA program from 2007 to 2009.

He also served as an assistant with the U16 AAA Red Deer Chiefs before taking the role as head coach of the U15 AAA Red Deer Rebels from 2010-12.

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Rutz has coached on the women’s side as well, including time as head coach of the RDP Queens from 2013-15 and Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs from 2016 to 2019. That was his last coaching role in Red Deer.

He has also been a key part of many championship-winning teams, including a national championship as an assistant coach with the Bentley Generals.

Since 2021, he’s held roles with multiple different programs within the Notre Dame Hounds organization in Wilcox, Sask. He’s coached the U16 and U18 teams, and most recently the U17 Prep team during the 2024-25 season.

“We are thrilled to have Bob take on this role,” said Jason Stephens, General Manager of RDMH. “His experience, ability to connect with players, and his dedication to coaching excellence make him the ideal fit to lead the U18 AAA Optimist Chiefs. Bob’s vision for player development and his history of success at the highest levels will be crucial to the continued growth of this team.”

Meantime, in an instagram post by Red Deer Minor Hockey on Feb. 28, they expressed their appreciation to Lightbown for his dedication to the team.

“Tyler has been a constant force of support for both the athletes and the community, putting in countless hours to help our players grow, both on and off the ice,” as stated in the post. “His dedication to the team and the Red Deer Minor Hockey program has been truly invaluable, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. We are immensely grateful for all the hard work he’s put into developing not just skilled players but well-rounded individuals.”

In addition, Red Deer Minor Hockey announced Marissa Graham will return as head coach of the U18 AAA Sutter Fund Chiefs and Nick Tarnasky will return as the U17 AAA Red Deer North Star Chiefs head coach.

Chad Huseby was also named the head coach of the U13 AAA boys team for their upcoming inaugural season.