The absence of Manny Viveiros behind the Broncos bench the previous weekend caused speculation by many Broncos fans and those who follow the Western Hockey League closely.

The Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel was out on the road scouting at multiple WHL games while the Broncos were in action. For those wondering if that is an indication of potential transactions on the horizon:

"Not at all, it means nothing at all really, it's just an opportunity to go out there and talk with some people face-to-face," Viveiros said. "As far as getting anything done, I'll be very transparent, we're not close to anything."

The Broncos' bench boss is surprised by the level of speculation, excitement, and questions about what he calls a routine trip.

"Yeah, I certainly am. It really was just something I did that last year also too, and I just did a little bit earlier this year. Not to say that I won't do it again too," he said while expanding on the nature of the trip. "It just gave me an opportunity to get out and see some of the other teams live, instead of on tape, so it was something that I needed to do and I thought it was a pretty good opportunity at that time to go out and do it."

Viveiros noted it's always great that Associate Coach Ryan Smith and Assistant Coach & Director of Player Development Jamie Heward are easily able to take over and maintain their established continuity.

"First and foremost, I have so much confidence in my associate coaches - they're excellent coaches," he said. "If I have to go away for a game or something, those guys are there and we don't have to worry about anything. We're all on the same page, we're all preaching the same thing, and we have a really good chemistry with the three of us here, so that's certainly not an issue at all."

Even in the event that one, two, or potentially three Broncos players are gone over Christmas and New Years to represent their country for the World Junior tournament, the director of player personnel isn't looking to panic and make moves.

"Well if something before that happens, we certainly will look at it and if it makes sense for us, we'll do it. But if not, we're not going to do something that doesn't make sense for our hockey club now, and for the future. We're not going to be pressured into doing something that we're not ready to do," Viveiros said. "Even if those guys are gone - we expect three of our guys gone for extended periods of time over Christmas - that gives an opportunity for other kids to step up, and we're going to have to find other ways to win.

Viveiros was back from his scouting trip and on the bench for the Broncos in Wednesday's 5-4 shootout win over the Saskatoon Blades, and will be again as the Broncos travel to Prince Albert to take on the Raiders tonight.

Catch all the action live on The Eagle 94.1 for Robertson Family Group Swift Current Broncos Hockey starting at 6:30 p.m., with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m.