Bruins announce coaching change

The Estevan Bruins announced that Associate Coach Phil Fife accepted a coaching position with another organization.

The Oromocto, N.B. native's new job is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Fife spent the past three seasons behind the Bruins bench, alongside his former coach - Bruins Head Coach and General Manager Jason Tatarnic.

"It was an honour and privilege to have a former player coach beside me the last three seasons and my family and I are going to miss having Phil around," said Tatarnic.

"I can’t say I am surprised that Phil has taken the next step in his coaching career having watched him play an integral part of our recruiting process, our coaching philosophy, and our game preparation. Phil was a proven winner as a player, and it was an unbelievable experience when we won together in 2012 but winning the championship in 2022 as coaches is something I will never forget, and it definitely makes that one very special."

Fife won MJAHL championships as a player in 2011-12 with the Woodstock Slammers and 2012-13 with the Truro Bearcats.

The 30-year-old played four seasons with the University of Waterloo Warriors from 2014-18. He was an assistant coach with the Melville Millionaires in 2019-20.

"The Estevan Bruins want to say thank you to Phil Fife for his time with the organization," said Bruins President Josh Biggs. "Phil has been a great addition to the team and community and will always be remembered as a key member of the 2022 Championship team. Congratulations Phil on your first head coaching role, the Estevan Bruins wish you the best."

Fife thanked the organization, the fans, and everyone who was part of his life during his time in Estevan.

"I especially, want to thank Tarts for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to work with him the past 3 seasons. It was an incredible feeling winning the SJHL championship in 2022 alongside my former coach, and it’s something I will always remember. Moreover, I want to thank all the players and staff who made coaching in Estevan so special. Go Bruins!"

The Bruins did not mention anything about filling Fife's role.