Edmonton WHL Announces Leadership Team

from whl.ca

Created: Oct 2, 2006
EDMONTON, AB - Patrick LaForge, the Governor of Edmonton Major Junior Hockey Ltd., today announced two key individuals who will lead Edmonton's newest Western Hockey League franchise when the team debuts at Rexall Place in the Fall of 2007. Bob Green has been named the General Manager, and Nick Wilson as Vice President, Business Operations, and Alternate Governor.

Bob Green, a Sherwood Park resident, grew up and played hockey in Fort St. John, B.C., before graduating to play Midget AAA hockey in Sherwood Park with Ken Hitchcock as his head coach. He has successfully coached minor hockey in Edmonton, and has spent 13 years with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL, 5 years as an area scout in Edmonton, and 8 years as the Tigers Director of Scouting.

Green's first order of business will be to begin putting together a scouting staff, as well as preparing for both the Expansion Draft and Bantam Draft in early 2007.

"Bob is the perfect hockey person to lead our new WHL hockey team in Edmonton," said Kevin Lowe, General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers. "His vast experience in the league, and his junior hockey knowledge, will be instrumental in building this franchise, and help us challenge for the Memorial Cup."

Since joining the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club in 2002, Nick Wilson has made significant contributions to the organization, and was the point man in the Oilers bid to secure at Western Hockey League Franchise. Prior to that, Nick's leadership was instrumental in the operational success of the Molson Canadian Heritage Classic in 2003, as well as the relocation of the Edmonton Road Runners to Rexall Place for the 2004/05 season. Nick's guidance also assisted in rebranding the Oilers merchandising and retail operations into the successful Oilers Store.

"Nick was the logical choice to hold the reigns for Edmonton's newest junior hockey franchise," said Patrick LaForge, Governor of Edmonton Major Junior Hockey Ltd. "Nick's hard work and persistence were critical in landing the franchise, and his knowledge of the business of sports is second to none."

With the leadership team now in place, fans can expect an announcement on the team name, as well as ticket prices and packages, in the coming weeks.