Vees ink Coach/GM Fred Harbinson to contract extension

Press Release

The British Columbia Hockey League's Penticton Vees are excited to announce a four-year contract extension of Head Coach and General Manager Fred Harbinson. The new deal effective this upcoming season will see Harbinson remain with the the Vees through the 2013/14 season.

Coach Harbinson has built a rich history of success over his three years as the coach of the program. Last season the Vees set a franchise record by earning 100 points in the regular season posting a record of (48-8-0-4), while also leading the league in NCAA commitments and NHL draft prospects.

Previously, in his first season with the club, Harbinson guided Penticton to the '07/'08 BCHL Championship for the first Penticton Championship in 22 years. The Calgary native has also been named to the All-Star Game as a coach in two of his three seasons in the BCHL.

Vees Managing Partner Ron Vincent is thrilled to have Fred locked up long-term: "The Penticton Vees are very happy to secure Coach Harbinson's leadership for the next four years. We are building the finest Junior hockey program in North America and to do so we have to start with a strong base; that base is our Head Coach and his staff. We like the direction that the program has taken and are confident that Fred will deliver the National Championship to the Penticton Community"

In his tenure as Head Coach and GM in Penticton, Harbinson has used his extensive network of hockey people to secure more college scholarships than any other program in Canada, while cementing Penticton as a top destination for junior hockey of any level for players from all over the continent.

Vincent adds: "The partnership between the Vees and the community is a great tradition, one that is the envy of many hockey franchises. The community has provided us with a tremendous facility, and our ownership is committed to delivering a championship caliber team. The word throughout North America is that the Penticton Vees are a storied team and players are flocking to be a part of something great, for this we thank Fred and his staff."

Coach Harbinson is excited to be a with the Vees organization for the next four years: "I want to thank Vees Ownership, especially Managing Partner Ron Vincent for the confidence in me to continue as Head Coach and General Manager of this great club for the next four years. I have a passion for this job, and am focused on the continued success of the Vees organization both on and off the ice. The development of the young men that pass through our program as better players as well as better people remains a top priority."

"Over the past three years my family and I have enjoyed becoming a part of such a great community, it is my goal to bring another Championship to the great hockey fans of Penticton."

The Vees have an regular season record of (125-40-2-13) over Fred's tenure as Head Coach, and the organization is looking forward to many more wins over the next four years with Fred Harbinson as Head Coach and General Manager.

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