Viveiros enjoys return to Swift Current
It was a triumphant return to Swift Current for Manny Viveiros on Friday. Not only did his Spokane Chiefs defeat the host Broncos 5-1, but he also received a video tribute during the first period, followed by a standing ovation from many of the Swift Current Broncos fans.
The game marked Viveiros’ first appearance at the iplex since the Broncos won the 2018 Western Hockey League Championship during his second season as head coach.
“First class,” said Viveiros of the tribute video and standing ovation he received in the first period media timeout. “This organization has always been first class and it is always going to be. Incredible. It was really emotional for me to watch that and was real awesome, also with Noah King here too. I’m really thankful for what they did. It really means a lot. A special place for me, it really is. These two years here were some of the best years of my life in hockey. The people that I had a chance to work with still really good friends and I have a lot of really good friends in this city here. It really meant a lot.”
The Chiefs entered the game 47 points ahead of the Broncos as they played their second game of a three-game Central Division road swing.
“We’re happy. No we’re happy with the way we played. We’ve been on the road for a bit now, but it’s just one of those games where we’ve got to win it, we want to get going and look forward to tomorrow and then looking forward to getting back home here. Pleased with the way we played. Sometimes not always the easiest games to play. Nothing against the Broncos by any means at all, but these are games that you’re supposed to win and sometimes those are the hardest. So at times we weren’t at our best, but it is what it is. We’re happy.”
The Chiefs feature Mac Gross and Reed Jacobson, who were both playing in their hometown for the first time during their rookie season. Jacobson finished with two points, including a late goal that drew cheers from the hometown fans.
“You couldn’t ask for a better script than that because I know the young kids were a little bit nervous today. Coming home like that, a lot of fans and family here, I’m so happy for them too. They’re outstanding young men, incredible kids. Just to be around they are so easy to coach and you don’t even have to worry about them. They are good kids,” said Viveiros.
The Chiefs also feature defenseman Noah King, a WHL champion in Swift Current. The overage blueliner was leading the WHL with a +47 rating in 57 games.
“He’s just been amazing. We knew that was going to happen and he just kept getting better and better all the time. He’s come in and there’s a part to the game, which I hadn’t seen from him when I had him in Swift Current is his offensive side, his playmaking ability. He can defend, but his playmaking ability has really impressed me this year. Just a quiet unassuming kid that just works every day. He puts the work in. He’s going to be a pro player.”
The Chiefs were third in the stacked U.S. Division behind the Portland Winterhawks and the Everett Silvertips, an eerily similar situation to the East Division with the Moose Jaw Warriors and Regina Pats during his two seasons in Swift Current.
“There’s no such thing as an easy night by any means. Portland, Everett, ourselves, and Tri-city were before they made those moves. It’s a battle. We play those guys too much sometimes, we see each other all the time,” explained Viveiros.
“That first round reminds me a lot of when we played Regina that second season here,” he added.
After one season in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers and now a new challenge in Spokane, Viveiros said his coaching style hasn’t changed much since leaving Swift Current and the Broncos.
“The exact same way. I don’t change that. I think the biggest thing is you build a relationship with kids and you earn their trust through being honest and holding them accountable, but being fair and that’s something that we’ve got a really good relationship and its something that’s a lot of fun, a lot of fun, no question about it.”