The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club has solidified their hockey operations and front office staff ahead of the 2015-16 BCHL season.
The Vees are excited to welcome David Michaud as Director of Player Development & Corporate Sales, and Steven Cocker as Director of Hockey Operations & Analytics.
President, General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson says the organization is always looking to better themselves, “As we have grown and established ourselves as one of the elite junior hockey franchises in North America we are still aware how the game is constantly evolving. The addition of both David and Steven will bring another layer of professionalism to our program."
Michaud spent the past five years as the General Manager of the Okanagan Rockets Major Midget team. Michaud first joined the Rockets during the 2010 season, and over five seasons guided the Rockets to a 116-56-28 record. The highlight of Michaud’s tenure with the club came during the 2013-2014 season when the Rockets claimed a BCMML championship, a Pacific Regional championship, and ultimately national bronze at the Telus Cup in Moose Jaw.
Cocker split the last year and a half working for the St. John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Lahti Pelicans in the Finnish SM-Liga U-20 league. Cocker was the Director of Player Development & Analytics for the Sea Dogs and a Manger for the Pelicans in Finland. Cocker has also worked for International Scouting Services and the Cedar Rapids RoughRidgers in the United States Hockey League. Cocker, who’s from Ontario, graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Leisure Management at Haaga-Helia University in Finland.
The Vees are also pleased to announce that Fraser Rodgers will be back with the organization as the Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations. Rodgers has been with the team for the past four years in the same role and has been behind the mic for four Fred Page Cups, two RBC Cups, one Western Canada Cup, one Doyle Cup and over 100 playoff games at the junior ‘A’ level. Rodgers will be joined by broadcaster partner Trevor Miller, calling all the action this upcoming season on the home of the Vees, EZ Rock AM 800.
“It was very important to me to re-sign Fraser; he's done an outstanding job since arriving in Penticton and is an integral part of our program," said Harbinson.
The Vees are also retaining Kyle Hamaguchi as the team’s Goaltending Coach, Ed Lebler as a Skills Development Coach, and Brent Mosses as the team’s Strength & Condition Coach. Matt Miller will be back as the club’s Video Coach. Laura Carleton will once again be in a Corporate Sales & Marketing role.
Nick Fuher and Steve Cawley will continue to serve as Assistant Coaches to Head Coach Fred Harbinson for the 2015-16 season.
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