HITMEN NAME DAN BONAR HEAD SCOUT

Press Release

Calgary, AB – Calgary Hitmen General Manager, Executive Vice President and Alternate Governor Kelly Kisio announced today Dan Bonar has been named the club’s new head scout.

Bonar, from Winnipeg, MB has spent the last eight seasons with the Hitmen. The first two seasons as Manitoba regional scout before being promoted six years ago to travelling scout.

He replaces Brad Whelen who earlier this month joined the Tampa Bay Lightning as a Western Canadian Scout.

“We have full confidence Dan will do a tremendous job leading our scouting staff,” said Kisio. “With nearly 10 years of scouting experience with the Hitmen Dan knows our program, he knows our scouting staff and he knows the effort required both at and away from the rink.”

“I am really looking forward to taking on this new challenge and working with Kelly and our scouting staff,” explained Bonar. “Being with the Hitmen this long has been an enjoyable experience and I have learned a lot under Brad.”

In addition to scouting, Bonar has an extensive playing background. In the mid ‘70’s he put up huge numbers as a three year centre for the WCHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings totaling 312 points. The following season Bonar joined the pro ranks first in the IHL where he was named rookie of the year and an all-star before spending the next two seasons in the AHL.

That time and effort paved for the way for Bonar’s playing career in the National Hockey League where he went on to appear in parts of three seasons in the early ‘80’s with the Los Angeles Kings. He finished his NHL career having played in 170 games while picking up 64 points (25g 39a) and 208 penalty minutes.

Dan Bonar is also a member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame, inducted in 2007.

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