Monday, June 14, 2010

Giants introduce Ballantyne as COO, Launch 10th Anniversary Season

Press Release

Vancouver BC – Today the Vancouver Giants proudly introduced Stuart Ballantyne as the team’s Chief Operating Officer. He will begin his new role on Monday, June 14, 2010.

Ballantyne joins the organization with an impressive track record of event and brand management, most recently highlighted during the 2010 Winter Olympics where he was General Manager of Molson’s Hockey Canada House, the home for Team Canada and entertainment during the Games. He was also General Manager of the record-setting 2009 World Police & Fire Games held here in Vancouver. He’s also worked closely with the Giants organization in the past as General Manager of both the 2006 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and the 2007 MasterCard Memorial Cup Championship.

Giants’ Majority Owner Ron Toigo is thrilled to have Ballantyne on board: “Stu brings so much to the table. His wealth of experience and knowledge will help us further cement the Giants brand in the marketplace for many years to come.” And likewise, Ballantyne is excited to join the team on a permanent basis: “I’m very proud to have played a role in some of the organization’s past successes, and now am really looking forward to working with everyone on a daily basis to make sure that success continues and grows.”

And with the team heading into its 10th Anniversary Season in the Western Hockey League, the timing of the hire was critical. Adds Toigo, “We have a great history of hosting major events over the years, from the CHL Top Prospects Game to the World Juniors to the Memorial Cup, so we plan on making this entire 10th Anniversary Season a major event.” Ballantyne goes on to say “We’ll be announcing plans over the course of the summer as to how we’ll be celebrating our history all season long. It’s been a great nine years with lots of banners in the rafters and players graduating to the professional ranks. We have a lot to celebrate, so we’re exciting to get started.”

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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