​Former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Aaron Rome is stepping into a new, yet familiar, role as an assistant coach with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL. Rome, who spent eight seasons in the NHL including three with Vancouver, spent last season guiding the Wheat Kings’ U-17 AAA team as head coach. He has previously contributed to Brandon in a coaching capacity as a skills coach from 2017-18 to 2018-19 and served as an assistant coach during the 2016-17 season. In his inaugural season as an assistant on Brandon’s staff, the Wheat Kings posted a 31-31-7-3 record, finishing fourth in the WHL’s East Division.
As a player, Rome accumulated five full seasons in the WHL. He started his junior career with the Saskatoon Blades (1998-99 to 2000-01) before moving to the Kootenay Ice (now the Wenatchee Wild) for two seasons. He then spent nearly three seasons with the Swift Current Broncos, followed by a stint with the Moose Jaw Warriors for the latter part of the 2003-04 season. After his WHL career, Rome moved to the NHL, where he spent time with the Anaheim Ducks and the Columbus Blue Jackets before joining the Vancouver Canucks for three seasons. His time with Vancouver included the 2011 Stanley Cup run, during which he was suspended for four games of the Stanley Cup Final after a hit on Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton.
Currently, the Wheat Kings’ roster includes Ducks prospect Brady Turko, defencemen Ilari Kapanen and Josh McGregor, and forward Colin Grubb. The team is guided by Marty Murray, who serves as both head coach and general manager.
For additional context on Aaron Rome’s career and the Wheat Kings’ developments, you can refer to game-day features and historical notes from Brandon’s recent campaigns. The team’s performances, roster movements, and coaching staff choices continue to shape their trajectory in the WHL, while Rome’s return to Brandon as an assistant coach adds another layer of experience to the organization’s development-focused approach.