Vees replace Michaud with hire of Welsman
The Penticton Vees have hired Alex Welsman as the new Director of Corporate Partnerships.
Welsman joins the B.C. Hockey League club after two years with Canucks Sports and Entertainment where she worked her way up from an account representative for client service to an account executive for premium client services.
In that role, Welsman worked closely with many other departments within Canucks Sports and Entertainment to develop relationships with current and prospective clients for corporate partnerships. She was able to work in ticketing, media, game presentation and hockey operations with her previous role.
“Our vision on the business operation of our club is constantly expanding,” stated Vees president, GM and head coach Fred Harbinson. “As an organization, we have expectations and goals that requires a front office that has experience, creativity and tenacity. I am confident the addition of Alex to our staff will bring exciting results.”
Welsman graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Political Science, in 2014.
Welsman replaces David Michaud, who stepped down from the position earlier this month to pursue another opportunity. Her first day on the job will be Nov. 12.
SILLINGER COMMITS
After a strong start to his second BCHL season, Vees forward Lukas Sillinger has earned a commitment to the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks for the 2020-21 season.
With an increased role with the Vees this year, Sillinger has eight points (3-5-8) in his first 10 games. The 18-year-old from Regina, Sask., put up 20 points in 56 regular-season games last year in his rookie season and added another five points in 11 playoff games.
He is currently working his way back from a broken finger.
The Mavericks play in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). This year’s Mavericks squad features former Vees forwards Riley Alferd and Taylor Ward, as well as former Victoria Grizzlies forward Cole Pickup.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
After splitting a pair of weekend games, the Vees stayed in the middle of a wild logjam of all seven teams in the Interior Division.
Only six points separates first-place Merritt (24 points) to last-place Trail Smoke Eaters. Salmon Arm and West Kelowna are tied for second at 21 points, the Vees (9-6-0-2) are tied for fourth with Wenatchee at 20 points, and Vernon has 19.
Penticton and Vernon have played the fewest games at 17, while Merritt has played the most at 20.
The Vees host Merritt on Friday at 7 p.m. at the SOEC. Penticton has won all three meetings by a combined score of 18-6, including a 6-1 win this past Friday in Merritt.
The Vees visit Prince George Spruce Kings on Saturday. The Kings beat the Vees 3-2 at the Bauer BCHL Showcase Tournament on Sept. 21 in Chilliwack.
Midweek games involving Interior teams has Wenatchee visiting West Kelowna tonight, and Salmon Arm visiting Vernon on Wednesday.
CJHL RANKINGS
The Brockville Braves (Central Canada league) are the new No. 1-rated team in the Canadian Junior Hockey League weekly rankings.
The Braves were No. 2 last week. Oakville Blades (Ontario league) moved up two spots to No. 2 and the Brooks Bandits (Alberta league) fell from No. 1 down to No. 3 after their lengthy winning streak ended.
The Thunder Bay North Stars (Superior International league) and the North York Rangers (Ontario league) round out this week’s top five.
The Swan Valley Stampeders (Manitoba league) had the biggest jump, going up 13 spots to No. 7.
The BCHL has only two ranked teams, with the Chilliwack Chiefs up one spot to No. 13 and the Coquitlam Express going from an “honourable mention” to entering the rankings at No. 20.