The Humboldt Broncos would like to extend our sincere appreciation, thank you, and congratulations to Assistant Coach, Curtis Toneff who has accepted a role with the Merritt Centennials of the BCHL as their Head Coach and GM.
Although his resume with the Broncos was just two and a half years long, Toneff’s accomplishments alongside Head Coach Scott Barney was filled with success from the recruiting, to the development, and finally, the on ice product for the green and gold.
Toneff was hired by the Broncos prior to the 2019/20 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season and worked alongside Barney leading the Broncos back into the 2020 playoffs. The COVID-19 pandemic cut the 2020/21 season short. However, the Broncos left that season in first place in the SJHL and were poised for a championship run before the shutdown.
Entering the rejuvenated 2021/22 campaign this season, there was more high hopes for the Broncos to continue where they left off. The coaching duo hasn’t disappointed. Their much younger Broncos are right back in first place with a 27-8-0-0 record heading into the Christmas break.
“I will now be cheering on the Broncos from afar in their quest for a championship. I believe in every one of those players and can’t wait to see what they accomplish,” said Toneff. “There is an incredible opportunity for me to help the Merritt Centennials get steered back in the right direction as a franchise, and it was one I couldn’t turn down. I’m excited and humbled at the chance given to me by the organization.”
Scott Barney has consistently preached his goal is to help his players develop and to guide them into the next level of their playing career. The same can be said with his team staff.
“Curtis has been instrumental in the development of our players and his hard working approach will lead him to nothing but success in Merritt, said Barney. “We would like to thank Curtis for his 2.5 years in Humboldt and are excited to see him get the opportunity he has worked very hard for and wish him nothing but success.”
Toneff will take over for the Merritt Centennials immediately and will be behind the bench following their holiday break.
The Humboldt Broncos will look for his replacement for the remainder of the season in the next coming weeks.
“Working alongside Scott and the Broncos staff everyday was amazing and always full of laughs and positivity behind the scenes,” said Toneff. “Humboldt has done an amazing job making the team such a desirable place to play and coach and I will miss it a lot.”
“I’d like to thank the players, Scott, the Broncos staff, and the board for an amazing two and a half years.”
