Cranbrook Bucks say goodbye to head coach and general manager Ryan Donald after six years with the club.
Donald has decided to pursue the next chapter of his coaching career with the Portland Winterhawks.
“It has been a great blessing to me and my family to have had the opportunity to coach the Bucks for the past 6 seasons,” said Ryan Donald.
“We will cherish our memories and the relationships formed during our time in Cranbrook and are excited to begin the next chapter.
“I am forever grateful to Nathan and Breanne Lieuwen for trusting me to lay the foundation for this organization.
“I am excited to see what the next chapter holds for the Bucks and wish them nothing but the best in the future.”
In a statement, “The Cranbrook Bucks organization extends its heartfelt thanks to Ryan Donald and his family for building the Bucks program from an expansion franchise to where it is today.”
Under his leadership, the Bucks evolved from an expansion outfit into a competitive and respected organization in the Interior Division.
He delivered a 36–14–0–4 season in 2022–23 (76 points) and consistent playoff appearances, including a first-round series win in 2024–25.
In 2025–26, Ryan guided the team to the deepest playoff run in franchise history, reaching the Conference Finals before falling to the Brooks Bandits.
The Bucks say that Ryan was instrumental in player development, fostering a strong team culture, and helping dozens of Bucks players move on to NCAA programs and professional hockey.
“Ryan has been aligned with our goals and values from day one, and he has carried that through all his time here,” said Nathan Lieuwen, President, Cranbrook Bucks.
“He believed in this vision when it was just an idea and helped build something special here in Cranbrook.
“We are incredibly grateful for his leadership over the past six years. We wish him and his family all the very best in Portland.”
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