Friday, December 24, 2010

Storm names new bench boss

Press Release

Guelph Storm General Manager Mike Kelly announced today that Scott Walker has been hired as the team's Head Coach, the 14th in the club's history.

"It is an honour to join such a great organization", Walker said. "I am extremely excited for this opportunity and look forward to leading the talented group of players we have here in Guelph. There is so much potential in that dressing room and I am eager to bring out the best in every player. This organization has such a long tradition of winning and I can't wait to get back there."

"Over the past three weeks Scott has impressed me in many ways", Storm GM Mike Kelly said." He exudes leadership qualities, knows and can teach all parts of the game and has a personal and professional value system that demands hard work, discipline, respect and a team first attitude."

Walker, 37, joined the team on a volunteer basis in late October and will officially lead the Storm as Head Coach on the 27th for the club's two scheduled practices.

"In doing my due diligence on Scott", Kelly added, "individuals throughout the National Hockey League spoke glowingly of him as the consummate professional and team player."

Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Walker played 829 games in the NHL, including 42 games last season split between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals. He was originally drafted as a defenceman by the Vancouver Canucks when he played for the Owen Sound Platers. Through 15 seasons, the Cambridge native recorded 405 points and 1,193 penalty minutes.

Walker's first game as the Storm's new bench boss will be against the Western Conference rival London Knights on December 29th.

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

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