WINNIPEG, May 27, 2026
The Winnipeg Blues are proud to announce the appointment of Aaron Kaatz as the organization’s new Head Coach, effective immediately. Operating out of the world-class Rink Training Facility, Kaatz takes the helm of a program built on a foundation of pride, excellence, and a relentless commitment to be the destination for hockey development in Manitoba. His arrival marks a strategic step forward in the Blues’ mission to maintain a competitive standard while fostering the next generation of hockey talent.
Kaatz joins the Blues with a decorated resume that underscores his ability to lead and develop high-performance athletes. Most recently, he served as an Assistant Coach for Team Manitoba U18 and spent three successful seasons as the Head Coach of the Interlake Lightning U18 AAA program. His extensive background also includes a significant tenure with the Balmoral Hall Hockey program, where he honed his skills in navigating the high-pressure environment of elite prep sports. This wealth of experience ensures that the Blues’ bench is led by a tactician who understands what it takes to succeed at the highest provincial levels.
The new bench boss is eager to integrate his philosophy into the Blues’ culture of accountability.
“I’m incredibly excited and honored to join the Blues organization,” said Kaatz. “The Blues have a proud tradition, and I’m grateful for the trust the organization has placed in me. Coaching is about helping players reach their potential both on and off the ice, while building a culture of accountability, growth, and success. I’m excited to bring energy, structure, and an honest mindset to this next chapter, and I can’t wait to get to work with the players, staff, and community.”
Central to the Blues’ identity is a deep-rooted connection to the Winnipeg community and a “development-first” philosophy. By integrating Kaatz’s technical expertise with the state-of-the-art resources at The Rink, the organization is poised to elevate its player-development. Under his guidance, the Blues look forward to a new chapter of grit and performance, ensuring that every individual who wears the jersey is prepared for the leap to the next level while remaining a pillar of excellence for the city.
Written by: Devin Racicot
