The Swift Current Broncos have officially hired Dave Rathjen as the newest member of their coaching staff.

Rathjen joins the organization in the role of Goaltending Coach for the 2017/18 season.

"It is one my goals to be working in the Western Hockey League," Rathjen said. "I'm looking forward to being there at training camp and then progressing into the season to help the goaltenders be at the top of their game."

The product of Penticton, BC spoke about his key focuses when working with a goalie.

"The biggest thing is the details in practice and in preparation," Rathjen said. "Once those things are in place then we can start working on the technical aspects of their game. Work ethic, getting themselves ready physically and mentally are going to be important."

Rathjen, who owns and operates Above the Crease Goaltending LTD where they work on developing goaltenders across various leagues, joined the Broncos organization in January on an interim basis and had the opportunity to work with the likes of Jordan Papirny, Taz Burman and Bailey Brkin.

Although Papirny may have graduated from the WHL, Rathjen feels the Broncos are in good hands with Burman and Brkin moving forward.

"I thought Taz (Burman) played great down the stretch," he said. "I think he is going to be a quiet leader and a good goaltender for the team, and be able to handle a lot of minutes.

"Bailey got to come up with the team for about a month through the playoffs and last part of the season. He got to take notes and learn from those guys. Bailey is also in Edmonton so I get to see him weekly and we are preparing him to be able to come in and be a big part of our goaltending as well."

As a goalie himself, Rathjen played 11 games with the Tri-City Americans and 27 games for the Penticton Panthers of the BCHL.

He also suited up for the University of Alberta in parts of three seasons.

Looking at the goaltending position throughout the Broncos organization, Rathjen likes what Swift Current has built.

"We feel we have some depth in place there," he said. "I think we have a good stable of goaltending and I'm looking forward to guiding these guys in the right direction to be successful."

Rathjen will be in Swift Current when training camp rolls around in late August.

He says he is looking forward to getting things rolling.

"I love the environment in training camp, the competitiveness and seeing guys showing what they can do, and also helping these guys," he said. "There are lots of things to look forward to and lots of challenges to get us to where we want to be."