WINNIPEG, May 27, 2026
The Winnipeg Monarchs are entering their second season at the hockey for all centre with a sharp, renewed focus on the technical and personal growth of their athletes. To lead this next phase of the program’s evolution, the organization is proud to announce the hiring of Riley Dudar as Head Coach and General Manager. Dudar brings a modern, development-first philosophy to the bench, signaling a commitment to establishing the Monarchs as a premier launchpad for players striving to reach the highest levels of the game.
Dudar’s deep connection to the Manitoba hockey landscape began with a versatile playing career in the MJHL, SJHL, and BCHL, followed by five seasons with the University of Manitoba Bisons. He later returned to the Bisons as a coach for five seasons, eventually earning credentials as a High Performance 1 certified coach and a Master Level Hockey Canada Skills Coach. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and certification as a Mental Game Coach, Dudar offers a unique dual approach that combines on-ice skill development with performance psychology, ensuring that every player is prepared for the mental rigors of competitive hockey.
The appointment of Dudar underscores the Monarchs’ desire to build an elite development pipeline, leaning heavily on his recent experience as the Director of Player Development for the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL). His resume also includes time as a scout for the Chicago Steel and serving as Director of Player Personnel for the Winkler Flyers. This extensive background in identifying and cultivating talent is further evidenced by his work with Hockey Canada’s U17 program and his private off-season sessions for NHL and NCAA players. This will ensure that the Monarchs will provide a professional-grade environment for aspiring athletes.
Reflecting on his vision for the program, Dudar is focused on creating a culture of accountability and daily progress.
“I’m extremely excited and grateful to join the Winnipeg Monarchs organization and help build a new direction and identity for the program,” Dudar stated. “My focus is to create a high-performance development environment for players who strive to move on to the next level as quickly as possible. I want the Monarchs to become a place where players come to train, compete, build habits, and prepare themselves for higher levels of hockey and life. Our program will focus on daily improvement, accountability, relationships, and helping players maximize their potential both on and off the ice.”
With Dudar at the helm, the Winnipeg Monarchs are ready to establish a new standard for excellence. This leadership change marks the beginning of a focused era where the individual success of each player defines the success of the program. As the Monarchs prepare to take the ice for their second season, the mission remains clear: to guide and develop the next generation of talent, ensuring that every athlete who wears the crown is equipped to reach their full potential both on and off the ice.
Written by: Devin Racicot
