Chris Clegg
South Peace News
The High Prairie Red Wings have been sold to a familiar face.
The team announced on its website June 11 the new ownership group is led by former pro and long-time Junior A head coach and general manager Dean Whitney.
Whitney was head coach and general manager of the Fox Creek Ice Kings in 2020-21 and 2222-23 when they were members of the Greater Metro Hockey League. Whitney also served as general manager of the Crowsnest Pass Crush in 2024-25 as part of the National Junior Hockey League. The Red Wings were also members of the GMHL and NJHL during that time.
Whitney was head coach of the Carolina Junior Hurricanes in 2019-20.
Previously, he played goal for several major junior and semi-pro teams including the Portland Winter Hawks in 1991-92 and Prince Albert Raiders in 1993-94, both now members of the Western Hockey League. He also played for the East Coast Hockey League’s Mobile Mystics in 1995-96 and Victoria Salmon Kings in 2004-05, as well as the Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League in 1996-97.
The Red Wings also announced they are returning to the NJHL, where they won the league title two years ago, capping off four consecutive league titles in two leagues. The Red Wings announced May 2 they were leaving the NJHL for the newly-formed Alberta Elite Junior Hockey League but fences have been mended over disputes over the league’s operations.
“We are committed to continuing the winning ways of the Red Wings, as we strive for excellence on the ice and in the community,” Whitney says in the news release.
Rhonda Berg will be serving the Red Wings as the director of business management.
Former Red Wings’ owner, general manager and head coach Kevin Hopfner will remain in an advisory role and co-general manager capacity to ensure a smooth transition.
“Dean is a great operator who is familiar with the league and the players in it. I am sure he will help lead the Red Wings into the future,” says Hopfner.