Clark named Hounds Director of Player Development

Press Release

Soo Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Dubas announced this afternoon that WES CLARK has joined the organization as the team’s new Director of Player Development.

“When I first interviewed for the General Manager's position with the Soo Greyhounds I informed the board of directors that it was imperative to have a highly qualified Director of Player Development based in Southern Ontario. The reason for this was to continually monitor the progress and development of our draft picks who are not on our current roster. After reviewing various potential people for this position there is no doubt that Wes Clark is the best suited to fill the position for the Soo Greyhounds” began Dubas.

Clark, a native of Oakville, ONTARIO, is presently a lead on-ice and off-ice instructor with the Athlete Training Centre in Mississauga. Clark also serves as a coach in the prestigious Toronto Marlboros Minor Hockey Association. Clark has built a tremendous reputation through his work with some of hockey’s brightest young stars including John Tavares, Matt Moulson, P.K. Subban, and Ryan Strome

“I was able to meet Wes after some of our clients trained at The Athlete Training Center. The job Wes and his father Rich do there, not only in the area of strength and conditioning but also in skill development and mentoring is what makes me believe that Wes will one day become an NHL Player Development coach. The fact that players such as John Tavares, P.K. Subban, and Matt Moulson swear by Wes lets you know how talented he is” stated Dubas.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring Wes on board and his passion for mentoring young players on and off the ice will provide our prospects with an invaluable resource from draft day through to graduation. "

As the team’s Director of Player Development, Wes’ duties will encompass a variety of areas including:
• tracking the development of all protected list players
• staying in continual communication with our protected list players, their parents and their coaches
• aiding in the players development in the area of strength, conditioning and nutrition,
• aid in relationship development and recruitment of drafted players to play for the Soo Greyhounds

“I want to thank Kyle Dubas and the organization for the opportunity as Director of Player Development of the Soo Greyhounds. It is certainly an honour to be working with such a storied franchise. I look forward to continuing my close relationship with Kyle in helping this team have sustained success and simply be the best organization in the Ontario Hockey League” commented Clark.

The 28-year old joins the Hounds quickly after his own playing career. It was during the 2008-09 season he played professional hockey with the Phoenix Roadrunners and Johnston Chiefs of the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) while from 2004-05 thru 2007-08, Wes graduated with a B.Sc. in Business Management while playing at the University of Maine.

With Maine, Clark was recognized as Dean’s List student as well as a Scholar Athlete for his strong academic performance. He also participated in 2 NCAA Frozen Four tournaments, and in his final season won the Leading Scorer and Unsung Hero Awards.

“Mentoring and developing athletes has always been a very important part of my life. I am very excited to begin the process – The Rising!” concluded Wes.

Wes and the Greyhounds have a busy month coming up as the team will take part in the annual OHL Priority Selection this weekend before hosing prospective players and their families at the Spring Development Camp later this month.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)