Thursday, May 19, 2011

Frontenacs Name New Scouting Staff

Press Release

The Kingston Frontenac’s General Manager Doug Gilmour is proud to announce the new Scouting Staff for the Organisation.

“I’m extremely excited to introduce our new scouting staff. These gentleman have the passion, energy and commitment that we feel is required to build a winning program,” said Doug Gilmour.


GREATER TORONTO AREA AND HEAD SCOUT – Jeff McKercher

A veteran of the Ontario Hockey League, Jeff was selected in the 4th round, 56th overall in the 1996 OHL’s Priority Selection and went on to appear in 176 games over three seasons with the Barrie Colts, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and the Peterborough Petes. His final year in junior saw him put up an impressive +32 in 65 games, the best on the Petes that season. Selected by the Dallas Stars in the 7th round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Jeff played two season of professional hockey before enrolling at St. Mary’s University in Halifax. His final season saw him captain the Huskies while obtaining his degree. He currently lives in Newmarket and is employed as a police officer with the York Regional Police. His previous scouting experience includes time with the Oshawa Generals and the Peterborough Petes.

OTTAWA AREA AND DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT – Pat Domenico

Kingston’s new Director of Player Development, Pat has been involved with the Frontenacs scouting since he came on board in 2008. He was previously with the Oshawa Generals from 2004 to 2008. The Head Scout of the Nepean Raiders Jr. A team, Pat works tirelessly combing Ottawa and its surrounding areas for diamonds in the rough. In his new role with the Organisation, Pat’s responsibility will be to monitor and report to Doug Gilmour on the players in the Frontenac’s system. Pat is employed as a fireman in Ottawa.

KINGSTON AND SURRONDING AREA - Dick Cherry

Dick Cherry is synonymous with hockey in the Greater Kingston Area and with good reason. Dick left home at 18 to join the Barrie Flyers of the OHA, the predecessor of the now OHL. At the end of his second season the young 20 year old was summoned to the Boston Bruins where he appeared in six National League games. Playing professionally for seven seasons, Dick retired from hockey and returned to University to become a teacher. Three years later, the expansion draft in the National Hockey League was held and the Philadelphia Flyers selected Dick to join there squad. Playing four more season before his called it a career, Dick played 11 years professionally. His career away from the rink saw him become a very respected principal in the Limestone School Board in Kingston. After retiring, Dick rediscovered a new avenue in hockey, scouting. With the inaugural season of the Mississauga IceDogs in 1998, Dick was the Director of Hockey Operations for the Club before joining the Kingston Frontenacs as the Director of Player Development in 2005.

WESTERN ONTARIO AND MICHIGAN – Jason Maleyko

Another veteran of the Ontario Hockey League, Jason was selected in the 6th round, 92nd overall in the 1997 OHL’s Priority Selection and went on to appear in 267 games over four seasons with the Windsor Spitfires, Oshawa Generals and the Brampton Battalion. Selected by the Ottawa Senators in the 6th round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Jason played two season of Canadian University Hockey at St. Mary’s University in Halifax where he was Team Captain and an Academic All-Canadian twice. In 2003, Jason left school and signed in the ECHL and had a four year professional career. Living in his hometown of Windsor, Jason has been coaching the Belle River Jr.C Canadians over the past two seasons.

HAMILTON/BURLINGTON AREA – Aaron Van Leusen

Playing his entire OHL career with the Brampton Battalion, Aaron was a 10th round selection of the Battalion from his hometown of Barrie in the 1998 OHL Priority Selection. He appeared in 214 games over four seasons in the league and was a 4th round selection of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. After graduating from the OHL, Aaron moved east and played three seasons with the University of St. Mary’s Huskies, where he was an Academic All-Canadian all three years and Captain of the Club in the 2004-05 season. After obtaining his degree, he played one season professionally in Holland. Aaron currently resides in Burlington and is a police officer with York Regional Police.

TORONTO AREA / TIER II – Jason Payne

Jason Payne brings a wealth of experience to the Frontenacs. Playing parts of two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the London Knights and Barrie Colts, Jason turned pro in 1996 and played 14 years of professional hockey, appearing in 352 games. Jason is currently the Assistant Coach with the Toronto Jr. Canadians Jr.A Club and works with Graham Townsend, the power skating instructor for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He currently resides in Toronto and runs a number of hockey camps for minor hockey players of all ages.

ALLIANCE – Deryl Gough

Deryl is returning for his eighth season as a scout for the Frontenacs’ organisation. His responsibility will be the continuation of scouting Alliance in Western Ontario. Deryl currently resides in Mt. Brydges.

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

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