The Casper Warbirds Announce Ray Tremblay as New Head Coach

Following a series of challenging losses and a need for stronger leadership, the Casper Warbirds have decided to make changes to their coaching staff.

Ray Tremblay Hired as New Head Coach

The Warbirds are pleased to officially announce the hiring of Ray Tremblay as the new Head Coach. This decision comes after a difficult first half of their inaugural season. Darren McCormick, the team’s Assistant Coach and former player in top professional hockey leagues in France and Hungary has served as Interim Head Coach over the past several weeks while staffing arrangements were finalized.

Tremblay grew up in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada where he played minor and junior hockey. Tremblay then made the jump to NCAA III hockey playing at SUNY Brockport, followed by several years of playing minor pro in the US and Europe.

After taking a few years from the game, Tremblay started his head coaching career. He has head coached through various leagues and levels, such as the FPHL, VIJHL, and USPHL Premier, and was most recently the Head Coach for the Provo Predators of the NCDC, where he led the team to a winning record and a berth in playoffs in their inaugural season. 

This season, Tremblay decided to stay in the Salt Lake area and was an Assistant Coach with the first-place Ogden Mustangs of the NCDC, while working with youth hockey players in the area.

Throughout his years, Tremblay has a winning percentage of over .630% and a history of pioneering first-year programs to success. He joins us with over 20 years of Junior/NCAA/Professional hockey experience. He has a burning passion for the game and his work ethic and communication skills are tailored for creating a healthy winning culture and developing players while advancing them to the next level.

A Bright future Awaits the Warbirds

Casper Warbirds Governor, Chris Reaves, shared the following statement: 

We began the season strong with three wins, but unfortunately, we have since slipped to the bottom of our division. While other teams have adjusted and become more competitive, we’ve continued to struggle. I am confident that the changes being implemented will enable us to provide the people of Casper with the exciting hockey experience they deserve, while also helping our players achieve their aspirations of advancing beyond the NCDC.

Reaves emphasized that the decision to change head coaches was not made lightly. He explained that the move followed weeks of discussions with general managers and team owners from Tier 1 USHL, Tier 2 NCDC, and other leagues. By surrounding himself with experienced leadership from across these levels, Reaves is confident that the insights and guidance gained will help steer the Warbirds toward success. Reaves says, “It’s going to be very difficult,” but he remains optimistic that the coaching change and player adjustments made this month will allow the Warbirds enough time to turn their performance around and secure a playoff spot.

“My only regret is that I didn't step in sooner,” Reaves admitted, reflecting on the timing of the decision and the need for change. “Regardless of the outcome of our inaugural year, I know that the team will absolutely be in a better place next season.”

To see the Warbirds play at home, find their schedule and tickets at CasperWarbirds.com. You can also stay updated by following them @CasperWarbirds on Facebook, Instagram, and X.