Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Winterhawks Name Matt Bardsley Director of Hockey Operations

Press Release

Portland, OR -- Portland Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston has announced that Matt Bardsley has been promoted to the position of Director of Hockey Operations for the Winterhawks.

Bardsley joined the Winterhawks in 1999 as a scout before moving into the front office. He spent the last two seasons as advance scout, evaluating other teams’ rosters and list players and assisting Johnston with trade discussions and player evaluations.

He will retain those duties in his new position, and take an increased role in all aspects of hockey operations, including overseeing the organization’s recruiting program.

“Matt has been an integral part of this organization for a long time, and is well-deserving of this promotion,” said Johnston. “Matt has shown tremendous ability not just in identifying talented players, but in recruiting them and selling them on the Winterhawks. His efforts over the years have helped bring players who would go on to the NHL like Paul Gaustad and Brandon Dubinsky as well as current Winterhawks players like Ryan Johansen and Ty Rattie, and we’re pleased that he will continue to help build this organization.”

“I’m incredibly excited about this promotion, and appreciate the faith shown in me by the team’s ownership and management,” said Bardsley. “It’s always been a privilege to help players develop on and off the ice, and watch them achieve their dreams either as NHL players or in other walks of life. I’m proud to continue to have the opportunity to do that with the Winterhawks.”

(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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