(Red Deer Rebels/ Donovan Wagner)

By Ian Gustafson

Search begins

Dave Struch steps down as head coach of Rebels

May 9, 2025 | 12:15 PM

The Red Deer Rebels announced on Friday that Dave Struch has stepped down as head coach of the team.

The club said Struch made the decision due to personal reasons.

“Thanks very much to the Rebels family, players and fans for the opportunity to be a part of a great organization,” said Struch, in a media release.

Struch joined the Rebels as Interim Head Coach in March 2024 after the team mutually parted ways with former head coach, Derrick Walser. That season, Struch helped guide the team to a second-round playoff appearance.

He was named full-time head coach before the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign.

jaydyn lovelace

Man arrested for second time in a month after alleged attack in Gasoline Alley

15h ago

Community Message

Mayor Jefferies talks progress and hopes for the future at State of the City Address

15h ago

"rare opportunity for renters"

Rent in Red Deer up, despite Alberta topping provincial declines

16h ago

“Dave has made a difficult, but important decision in order to attend to family matters back home in Regina,” said Rebels Owner, President and General Manager Brent Sutter. “Family comes first, and we fully support his decision. We wish Dave and his family all the very best.”

Meanwhile, the team also announced that assistant coach Clayton Beddoes will not return for next season.

The Bentley, Alta. native leaves after two seasons with the Rebels and plans to pursue other opportunities.

Sutter explained the search for a new head coach has begun.

“This is an important time for the club. We’ll engage in a thorough process to find the right coach to help lead us toward our goal of bringing a championship back to Red Deer.”