ICE EXTEND HOCKEY STAFF CONTRACTS

Press Release

Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the Club has picked up the option year on the contracts for Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik, Head Coach Kris Knoblauch and Assistant Coaches Todd Johnson and Jerry Bancks through the 2012-2013 season.

“We are very happy that each of these individuals will remain with our Hockey Club for the next two years. The success we have maintained over the past 13 years both on and off the ice can partially be attributed to having good people in key positions. Stability and continuity is the key to any successful organization and these four gentlemen are a big part of what we are all trying to achieve”, continued Chynoweth.

Garnet Kazuik is finishing up his fourth season as Director of Scouting for the ICE. He also spent two years (2005 – 2007) as an Alberta Scout for the Club. Garnet played in the Western Hockey League with the Brandon Wheat Kings, Moose Jaw Warriors and Regina Pats (1984-1987).

Kris Knoblauch came on board with the Club as Assistant Coach in August of 2007 and became the fifth Head Coach in franchise history last season. In his rookie season, Kris led the ICE to their third WHL Championship in 11 years posting a 16-3 record in the playoffs. He played three seasons in the Western Hockey League and was a member of both the Edmonton (1997-1998) and Kootenay ICE (1988-1999). He also played with the Red Deer Rebels (1996-1997) and Lethbridge Hurricanes (1998-1999) before playing five years with the University of Alberta Golden Bears while obtaining his Bachelor of Education degree.

Todd Johnson joined the organization last August. He played three seasons in the WHL with the Moose Jaw Warriors (1990-1991), Kamloops Blazers (1991-1992) and Red Deer Rebels (1992-1993). Todd played five years at the University of Calgary (1993-1998) and obtained a Bachelor of Education degree.

Jerry Bancks has been with the organization since August 2010. He has been involved with hockey in Kimberley for a number of years, including two different stints as Assistant Coach with the Kimberley Dynamiters. Jerry played two years in the Western Canada Hockey League with the Lethbridge Broncos and Calgary Centennials (1974-1976). He also achieved a Bachelor of Physical Education and Bachelor of Education degrees at the University of Calgary.

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