ROYALS NAME CAMERON HOPE GENERAL MANAGER

Press Release

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals today announced that Cameron Hope has been named the second General Manager in the team’s history and the fourth in the franchise’s history.

Previously, Hope spent seven years (2004 thru 2011) working as a part of the National Hockey League’s New York Rangers’ management team. Originally hired as the Rangers’ Vice President of Hockey Administration, Research and Development he was promoted to the Assistant General Manager’s position in 2007.

In these roles he oversaw the day-to-day work of the hockey operations department, and was responsible for all aspects of hockey administration for the team, including matters relating to the hockey club’s salary structure, the team’s interaction with the National Hockey League, player contracts, player movement, and Collective Bargaining Agreement issues.

“We are very pleased to have been able to attract an experienced and quality person such as Cam” said Graham Lee, owner of the Victoria Royals. “We have talked to many very credible people in hockey who know Cam and they have all highly recommended him as very knowledgeable hockey person with a high level of integrity. I believe he will be a very strong addition to our team and will bring his NHL experience at the highest level in developing players and providing an environment for players to succeed.”

The 48-year-old will oversee the day-to-day management of team operations, all player personnel decisions as well as the team’s scouting department.

"I am excited for the opportunity," Hope said, "and happy to be here. Graham’s vision for junior hockey in Victoria, and his commitment to creating a culture of excellence with the Royals, is impressive. I’m honoured to have been given the chance to join the team and I look forward to the challenge."

“We are very fortunate to have a person of Cam’s caliber join our organization,” Royals’ team President Dave Dakers said. “I look forward to working together with Cam to help mold and shape the Victoria Royals into one of the model franchises in the WHL.”

The Edmonton, AB native obtained his law degree from the University of Alberta in 1988. The first portion of his career was spent as a litigation lawyer in the Alberta capital. Sport has played a role in Cam’s professional career from early on. He represented the Canadian Football League Players’ Association, and its players in grievance matters. He also has spent time as a professional race car driver and a performance-driving instructor. After his departure from the Rangers in 2011, he returned to Edmonton where he resumed his law career.

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