Friday, July 13, 2012

OIL KINGS RE-SIGN HAMILTON AND HANSCH

Press Release

Edmonton, AB - Oil Kings General Manager Bob Green announced today the hockey club has re-signed Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personel Randy Hansch as well as Assistant Coach Steve Hamilton. The move comes as no surprise following the most successful season in Oil Kings modern franchise history.

"Both Randy and Steve have done a great job and are integral parts to the success we enjoyed last season." said Green "They have both made big contributions to building a winning culture in this hockey club and they will continue to play key parts in it's future."

Hansch is a former WHL and professional goaltender and a draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings. Hansch began his scouting career in the early 90s with the Kamloops Blazers. After 15 years with that franchise and part time work with both the Calgary Flames and Tampa Bay Lightning Hansch returned to his hometown of Edmonton. He signed on to his current position with the Oil Kings just prior to the 2007 Expansion Draft and alongside Green laid the groundwork for the 2012 WHL Championship team.

Hamilton attended Northern Michigan University (NCAA) on a hockey scholarship after spending one year with the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Steve played for four years until a serious back injury put a halt to his playing career. He then returned to Edmonton and completed his Education degree at the U of A.

Prior to the past two seasons with the Oil Kings, Hamilton spent the previous four seasons as GM/Coach of the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL. His is a 3-time winner of the AJHL Coach of the Year and led the Saints to an AJHL championship in 2010 after a record breaking 52-4-1-3 regular season. Since joining the Oil Kings two seasons ago, Hamilton has totalled a record of 80-49-4-9 as the Oil Kings Assistant Coach. This past season he won his first WHL game as a Head Coach with a 5-0 win over the Prince George Cougars on February 11, 2012.

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

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