The Golden Knights, or really the Silver Knights, made history today hiring the first head coach in franchise history. That man is Manny Viveiros, a 54-year-old former NHL, AHL, and IHL player who has spent the past decade and a half working his way up the coaching ranks.

Viveiros was most recently the head coach of the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL where his team finished 41-18-4 before the season was canceled due to the pandemic. Before that, Viveiros was an assistant coach for one season under Todd McLellan with the Edmonton Oilers. He spent three seasons as the Head Coach, GM, and Director of Player Personnel of the Swift Current Broncos prior to that. In that time, his teams went 111-78-16 and he helped guide the Broncos to the Ed Chynoweth Cup (WHL Champions) in 2017-18.

Once he came back to North America and began to work in the Western Hockey League then I met him on more occasions and became much more familiar with his work. -Kelly McCrimmon

Viveiros describes his style of coaching as very similar to what the Golden Knights have been doing at the NHL level.

Through the teams I’ve had, we emulated what the Golden Knights have been doing. What’s really exciting talking to Kelly and George about the opportunity to almost copy exactly how the Golden Knights play the game and I believe that’s the way the game has to played today. It’s just the style of game I’ve always enjoyed playing. -Manny Viveiros

Through his four seasons in the WHL, Viveiros has coached many players that have been drafted to the NHL including 1st round picks Jake DeBrusk (BOS) and Ty Smith (NJD).

(My coaching style) is not a dictatorship by any means, it’s more of building relationships with these players to get their trust. After you build that relationship and get their trust you can hold them accountable. I’d never say anything to my players that I wouldn’t say to my own boys, my sons. -Manny Viveiros

The AHL announced they are pushing the start of the 2020-21 season back to December 4th. It is unclear the exact details of what the season will look like in regards to length, travel, fans, etc., but the current plan is to go ahead with the season despite the ongoing pandemic.

Whenever that does happen, the Silver Knights appear to be in good hands with Manny Viveiros.