New G.M. to be Announced Next Week

I spoke with Hurricanes Governor Herman Elfring early Friday afternoon.

He told me the hiring committee interviewed 4 candidates for the vacant G.M.'s job over the past two weeks and that one of those candidates will be offered the position this weekend.

Elfring expects the team will hold a press conference late next week to make an announcement. He says all 4 candidates interviewed well and have very good credentials. He says this has not been an easy process but noted from the outset, they thought this might take a little longer than people had hoped.

Elfring and President Bryan McNaughton are heading to Vancouver for the WHL's annual meetings and a recommendation for the new G.M. could come to the Hurricanes Board on Wednesday when they get back to Lethbridge, with an announcement either Thursday or Friday.

Thanks,
Pat

Campbell Leaving Canes' Front Office

Doug Campbell is leaving the Lethbridge Hurricanes as the team's Business Manager.

Campbell will become Sales Manager for a new Lethbridge-based media company called Clearly Interactive Inc. It's a sister company to Clear Sky Radio and CJOC-FM in Lethbridge. Doug joins the new company after completing his ninth season as an administrator in the Western Hockey League. After beginning his career as the youngest executive in the WHL with the Regina Pats, he was a part of execution and hosting of the 2001 Memorial Cup. Doug accepted a position with the Hurricanes in 2001 as the team’s Director of Marketing. During his tenure, the Hurricanes have enjoyed significant financial gains as well as a renewed corporate vision. After a six month stint away from hockey, Doug re-joined the Hurricanes in May of 2006 as Director of Business Operations.

Paul Larsen, President of Clear Sky Radio says, "I am excited to have Doug join our organization and lead the growth of this new interactive media company."

Campbell officially begins his new job with Clearly Interactive June 22nd.

Hurricanes Early Bird Ticket Prices Extended

Lethbridge, AB – Lethbridge Hurricanes Business Operations Manager Geoff Stewart made an exciting announcement Thursday afternoon that the hockey club will be extending their Early Bird/Loyalty Season Ticket deadline from June 15th to June 26th. Hurricanes existing Playoff Package and Season Ticket Holders will now have until the end of the month to renew their seats for the 2009-2010 season at the lowest possible price!

“We felt that we need to ensure that our existing Season Ticket holders have as much opportunity to renew for the 09-10 season as possible” said Stewart “With the ENMAX Centre Building enhancement project limiting some of our seating for the upcoming season; and with a renewed interest in the future of the team; we want to make sure our existing supporters can get the best possible price and availability on their season tickets”

For more information on renewing existing tickets or on becoming a Season Ticket Holder; fans are encouraged to visit or contact the ENMAX Centre Ticket Office or the Yates Theatre Centre by calling (403) 329-SEAT. Information is also available online at www.lethbridgehurricanes.com and at the Hurricanes Office at (403) 328-1986.

Canes' Shareholders Hold Meeting

A group of Lethbridge Hurricanes shareholders held a meeting Monday night at the Eagles hall on the northside to discuss the current situation with the hockey team and to get some feedback from them as to where they would like to see this organization head in the future.

I didn't go myself because my wife had to work and therefore I had to look after the kids (gotta love family life, eh!) so I sent CJOC reporter Bryan Jeannotte to cover the event for us. This is basically what he told me.

There was an impressive showing with more than 140 people attending the meeting which lasted just under two hours. Not bad I guess given it was publicized for less than 3 days. A number of things came up ranging from the hiring of a new General Manager to the Board of Directors. In his report to me, Jeannotte said those in attendance made it known they want to see the Board made smaller. It was suggested it be cut to around 7 people. Another item, as I mentioned earlier was the whole issue surrounding a new G.M. The overwhelming majority stated they wanted to see Richie Sutter in that position and in fact, a number of those shareholders signed a letter of support for Sutter that'll be submitted to the Hurricanes hiring committee. Jeannotte spoke with Bill Sokol, one of the shareholders and co-chair of Monday's meeting. He told us (CJOC Radio) Sutter is the logical choice for G.M. Sokol also said the shareholders must now take their concerns to the club's Annual General Meeting in August.

Two members of the Hurricanes board attended the meeting. They stated the new General Manager would be hired before June 26th.

There you go. I'll try and post a transcript of the interview Bryan Jeannotte did with Mr. Sokol later in the day. I hope this gives you I bit of an idea of what was discussed on Monday and what some of the shareholders would like to see happen.

Have a good day.
Pat