After weeks of searching, the Dauphin Kings finally found their man.
Bryan Kromm was hired as the Kings new head coach and general manager, last week, after spending the last two seasons as the assistant general manager, associate coach and director of player and skill development with the British Columbia Hockey League’s Trail Smoke Eaters.
Prior to his time in Trail, Kromm spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.
Kromm, 31, admits he did not actually apply for the job.
“It was actually a friend of mine who put my name in the ring. And then I got a call out of the blue from Scott (McCallum, director of hockey operations) and we had a discussion,” he explained, adding he got a text from Kings vice-president Bryan Romanow within a couple of weeks.
“Had another meeting with him and Andy Kubas and then I turn around and all of a sudden I have a contract offer in front of me.
“So I didn’t go out searching for it. It just kind of fell in my lap, but I’m definitely excited about the opportunity to get my foot in the door and be a head coach and GM. That is something I was striving toward in my coaching career. I’m super excited to be part of the Dauphin organization.”
All Kromm knew of the Kings was it was one of the premier teams in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and has a track record of winning and a winning culture.
“As I did a little bit more diving it, I realized it’s one of those true hockey towns where you’re one of the biggest shows in town and people are excited about the organization and the franchise,” he said.
“That was something that was super exciting to me, just being that small town culture and having a community that really supports the team.”
Kromm said fans can expect a competitive team that plays a high-paced game.
“Relentless. Very exciting to watch. But also pretty strong defensively, too, in not giving up too much risk, as well. I do expect our players to put their best foot forward every night and compete to the best of their abilities,” he said.
“Hopefully, there’s a team-first atmosphere when the fans watch and, hopefully, it’s exciting to come watch a game on a Friday or Saturday night.”
Kromm’s first priority will be finding a place to live. But he plans to come to Dauphin in mid-August after completing some prior obligations.
“And then show up a week before the boys show up and get ready to hit the ground running,” he said.
The first thing Kromm did when he was hired was call to all of the returning players.
“So I know who is coming back and I’ve set my expectations for them and for what they should expect from me. I’ve already had those conversations, so I feel I’m in a better spot than I did on Wednesday when I first accepted the position,” he said.
Kromm will also be in search of an assistant coach, with assistance from the board of directors.
The Kings are now taking registrations for its Par 3 Extravaganza, taking place, Sept. 12, at the Dauphin Lake Golf Club, with sign up sheets at the pro shop, as well as the Kings website at dauphinkings.com..
Training camp takes place, Aug. 28 to 30, at Credit Union Place.