THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Kings AAA hockey program has announced its executive and board members for the 2020-21 season.
Heading up the Kings will be the four-person executive of Michael Power (President); Kevin Marks (Vice-President); Murray Wiebe (Treasurer) and Anthony Russo (Secretary).
They will be working closely with a 10-person group of directors.
Among the additions to the Kings’ board are Donna Bain-Smith and Kate Clower.
Bain-Smith a well-known business leader in Thunder Bay and chartered public accountant by training, has been a strong advocate of AAA hockey and boasts a solid professional acumen and financial skill set that is sure to benefit the organization.
Clower, who is presently a health care professional in Thunder Bay, is a former NCAA women’s hockey standout at Minnesota State-Mankato.
She is also the head coach of the Lakehead University Thunderwolves women’s hockey program and a well-respected leader in the hockey community.
Also, joining the Kings is Seona Furlong, who will chair the Kings Alumni Association and act as an ex-officio member of the board.
Furlong is relatively new Thunder Bay and hails from Dryden originally.
She is a former NCAA Division I athlete and is the daughter of Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame honouree Michael Furlong, who will provide a solid business, hockey, and organizational insight.
“Hockey Canada has encouraged organizations across the country to pursue a level of gender balance all the while recognizing our governance, skills and experience matrix,” stated Kings’ president Michael Power.
“We are very pleased to have these three talented women join our board and organization.”
The Kings would also like congratulate Jason Disher (former Thunder Bay Senators defenceman) and Michael Simeoni (former Thunder Bay Flyers/Kings alumnus), and all those who have completed their respective tenures within the group, and thank each of them for their contributions and efforts to the organization.
Thunder Bay Kings 2020-21 Board Members
Executive
President – Michael Power
Vice-President – Kevin Marks
Treasurer – Murray Wiebe
Secretary – Anthony Russo
Directors
Donna Bain-Smith
Omer Belisle
Lonny Bohonos
Kate Clower
Robert Degagne
David Fitzpatrick
Marco Grigio
Neil Purdon
Brent Rau
Ken Ritson
Ian Swalucynski
Ex-Officio Board Members
Seona Furlong – Chair, Thunder Bay Kings Alumni
Jason Perrier – President, Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO)
U-18 COACH: With the appointment of former under-18 head coach Darrin Nicholas as the new commissioner of the Superior International Junior Hockey League, the Kings have actively begun their search for his replacement behind the U-18 bench when the all clear is given to proceed for the season.
“The entire board congratulates Darrin as he embarks in his new role,” offered Power.
“We wish him well and with his ascension into the SIJHL’s commissioner’s seat. This is further proof that the Kings’ organization is fulfilling its mandate – to grow players and coaches and to help them achieve their full potential and advance to the next level,” added Power.
RETURN TO PLAY: The Kings continue to work closely with Hockey Northwestern Ontario and Hockey Canada while monitoring local, provincial and federal health organizations for guidance and direction as it aims toward a potential Return to Play Strategy.
They do have ice reserved in late August for team tryouts at their home venue, Fort William First Nation Arena, in the event they receive the official go ahead to do so from all of the appropriate parties, including HNO.
Further updates on team tryouts will be provided once available.
