Dallas Gaume is back in the Western Hockey League.
Gaume, who resigned in May after serving as a Red Deer Rebels assistant coach for nine years, has signed on as the Chilliwack Bruins’ director of WHL scouting for the Central Division, a position he secured through his vast major junior experience and his long-time friendship with Bruins general manager/head coach Marc Habscheid.
“Marc and I graduated from high school together in Swift Current,” said Gaume, who played junior A hockey in Swift Current in the early ‘80s while Habscheid skated with the Saskatoon Blades before returning to his hometown to train and complete his schooling. “We were good friends back then and we’ve remained good friends.”
Gaume’s duties will consist of pre-scouting teams that the Bruins are slated to play during Eastern Conference road trips, as well as keeping tabs on players who might be available for trade. He’ll also follow the Alberta Junior Hockey League in the ongoing search for talent.
“I’ll be watching a lot of WHL games, mostly in the Central Division,” he said. “The pre-scouting will be important. I’ll be able to give them (Bruins) a better idea of what to expect when they come out here.”
The new position is ideal for Gaume, who won’t have to relocate his family and has applied to coach one of the Red Deer major bantam teams next season.
“It’s perfect for where I am at right now,” he said. “I can stay close to home and hopefully coach the bantams, and at the same time work for someone who I consider to be a very good friend.
“I’ve done some scouting (with the Rebels) and this is a continuation of that. Chilliwack has a strong ownership group and Marc is someone I know and trust. I’m excited about the opportunity I’ve been given.”