Friday, February 3, 2012

Silvertips Move in New Management Direction

Press Release

EVERETT, WA – Everett Silvertips and Consolidated Sports Holdings President Gary Gelinas today announced that the contract of Silvertips Vice President/General Manager Doug Soetaert would not be renewed and that the search for a new General Manager for the franchise would begin immediately.

“We owe it to our fans and our community to do everything we can to ensure that the Silvertips are a championship-caliber program among the best in the Western Hockey League,” said Gelinas. “To that end, we felt the time was right to pursue a new path and make a change at the General Manager position. Doug’s contract was not going to be renewed past this season, and it’s important for us to start searching for his replacement as soon as possible.”

“This decision was not taken lightly, and we have put in significant time and energy considering where we have been and where we need to go as an organization. We are committed to putting out the best possible product and want to start addressing ways that we can be better.”

The search has begun effective today for the next General Manager of the Silvertips. No specific timeline for filling the position will be set, with Assistant General Manager Zoran Rajcic and Head Coach Mark Ferner combining to handle management duties within the organization in the interim.

“We’re looking for the right person to operate within the right model for our franchise,” Gelinas continued. “Someone who understands junior hockey, how to build our hockey operations and business model while fitting into our team environment. We want to have that person in place sooner rather than later, but the most important thing is for us to find the right person.”

“We’d like to thank Doug for his contributions and years of hard work with the Silvertips. He was a contributing member in helping to launch the team and establish its early success. We wish him the best of luck in the future.”

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

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