Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager Announced

Press Release

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The Prince George Spruce Kings Junior 'A' hockey club of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) is pleased to announce that Kurt Walsten has been added to the team's Hockey Operations staff as the Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager.

Walsten brings an extensive professional hockey management background to the Spruce Kings as a general manager and coach for the past ten years including two years in Sweden and most recently with the Sioux Lookout Flyers of the SIJHL. Walsten's playing experience includes thirteen years with Canadian Junior A, semi pro and professional hockey as well as three years professional roller hockey.

"I'm excited that we were able to get a guy with Kurt's extensive hockey background to come on board with the Spruce Kings," said General Manager, Mike Hawes. "His wealth of knowledge and contacts in the hockey world will help us continue to move the organization forward. He joins an already strong coaching staff with Dave, Jason and Tom. I have total confidence that we will get the most out of the players and help this team achieve success."

"I'm completely looking forward to working with the Spruce Kings," said Kurt Walsten. "I've always wanted to be in the best Junior 'A' league in all of Canada and Prince George is going to have a pretty good looking squad this year. I want to work hard to see this team get as far as it can and I want to give back to the kids, because technically junior hockey is for the kids."

Kurt Walsten will fill the positions in a full time capacity working closely with both assistant coaches - Tom Bohmer and Jason Garneau, as well as Head Coach Dave Dupas and General Manager Mike Hawes. Walsten is expected in Prince George in early August to work with the Spruce Kings Hockey School and prepare for the team’s 2011-12 Main Training Camp.

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