The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club have announced Assistant Michael Hengen has accepted a new role with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League and Assistant Coach Steve Cawley has been promoted to Assistant General Manager.
Also, Director of Scouting, Tom Hengen, will be stepping back from his role with the hockey club and Travis Deaust will now oversee the Vees scouting department.
President, General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson says the organization is grateful for the contributions made to the Vees by Mike and Tom Hengen, “Both have been instrumental in the success of our program and I feel very fortunate to have worked alongside both of them.”
Harbinson says Mike and Tom had family on their mind when making their decisions, “I believe family is extremely important. Tom stepping down to enjoy more time with his wife Linda and Mike’s move to Prince George allows him to continue his bright coaching career with the Cougars at a very positive time in their organizations history. Mike’s wife, Melody, can also take advantage of a promotion within her own field of work as well.”
As a player, Mike Hengen won a Fred Page Cup with the Vees in 2008, before moving into the coaching ranks in 2010. From behind the bench, he helped guide the Vees organization to their second national championship in 2012, as well as establish a new national consecutive wins record of 42.
Harbinson says the promotion of Steve Cawley will make for a seamless transition, “Steve has put in countless hours for our organization over the past four seasons and really stepped forward when I took on the role of team President. Steve is one of the most detailed conscious people I know and very deserving of this promotion.”
Harbinson also believes the Vees Scouting Department is in very capable hands under Travis Deaust, “Travis has worked on our scouting staff for the past two seasons. He has a strong eye for talent, a tireless work ethic and understands what it takes to be a successful player at this level and more importantly a Vee.”
The entire Vees organization wants to thank Mike and Tom for their contributions to the organization and wish them all the best in their future endeavors, and want to congratulate both Steve and Travis on their deserving promotions.
The search for a new Assistant Coach will begin immediately.
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