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(Image Credit: Red Deer Vipers/Supplied)
New but familiar face

Red Deer Vipers hire Bob Rutz as new head coach

Jun 15, 2026 | 4:51 PM

The Red Deer Vipers have found their new head coach.

On Monday the club announced they’ve hired Bob Rutz to replace former bench boss Matt Michalezki, who departed the team following the season to coach the U15 AAA Red Deer Rebels.

“Bob came highly recommended within the Red Deer hockey community. He was someone we sought to speak with early in our process, and I’m excited today to officially welcome Bob to the organization,” said Vipers Hockey Operations Director Brady Sim, in a media release. 

Rutz has coached for many years across multiple levels in both Alberta and Saskatchewan, and most recently led the U18 AAA Red Deer Optimist Chiefs. 

Last season, the Vipers finished on top of the North Division with a 26-8-2-0-1 record to finish the Heritage Junior Hockey League regular season.

In the playoffs, the Vipers defeated the Airdrie Techmation Thunder and the Sylvan Lake Wranglers to advance to the league finals to face the Medicine Hat Cubs.

Ultimately, the Cubs swept the Vipers in three games.

“Our mission remains simple, to continue operating a premier Junior B hockey club in Alberta, and to deliver the HJHL championship back to the City of Red Deer,” Sim added. “We have the utmost confidence in Bob to help take us there.”