Vees Bolster Scouting Department

Press Release

PENTICTON, BC–The Penticton Vees Junior Hockey Club is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Bates as a regional scout based in Minnesota.

Bates has an extensive hockey resume, with over 30 years of experience. Most recently, Bates was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets scouting staff for over 12 years. Bates served as a regional and amateur scout with the Blue Jackets since their inaugural season in the NHL in 2000-2001. As a regional scout, Bates covered the Minnesota area, scouting at the high school, junior and college ranks, including parts of central Canada. As the Blue Jackets amateur scout for the past seven years, Bates scouted in both the United States and Canada, including the BCHL.

Vees Head Coach & GM Fred Harbinson says Bates is a valued addition, “I have known Brian for the past 13 years and respect his professionalism and eye for talent. Our organization is very fortunate to add an experienced hockey man like Brian Bates.”

Bates grew up in Dryden, Ontario and played at Bemidji State before an injury ended his playing career. Bates has served in a variety of player evaluation and scouting roles at various levels of hockey over the past 30 years, and calls New Brighton, Minnesota home with wife Jo-Anne and son, Chris.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)