Friday, April 15, 2011

Kyle Dubas introduced as Hounds new G.M.

Press Release

Soo Greyhounds President & Chairman of the Board, Dr. Lou Lukenda officially introduced KYLE DUBAS as the team’s new General Manager earlier today.

“Today we move in a new direction” stated Dr. Lukenda. “Kyle’s character, passion, energy and unique qualifications will lead our organization into the new realities of today’s hockey. He is an intelligent hockey mind who has a passion for our community and our team” concluded Lukenda.

Dubas, a native of Sault Ste. Marie leaves his position of 5 years as an NHLPA Certified Agent with Uptown Sports Management. During that time Dubas was actively involved in recruiting and advising players at the major junior, collegiate and pro level while representing players in their contract negotiations with NHL and AHL clubs. Some of his locally known clients included Dustin Jeffrey (Pittsburg Penguins, NHL), Andrew Campbell (Manchester Monarchs, AHL), and Brandon Archibald (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)

“I feel very honoured and blessed to be embarking on this opportunity as the General Manager of the Soo Greyhounds Hockey Club. I am very thankful to the Board of Directors of the Hockey club for putting their faith in me and believing that I possess the ability to guide this club to a level of sustained success both on the ice and in the community. Over the coming years, the club's ownership, players, staff, fans, and citizens of Sault Ste. Marie can be certain that I will pour every ounce of energy and passion that I have into making this an organization that they can be extremely proud of” stated Dubas.

“The city of Sault Ste. Marie and the Soo Greyhounds hockey club have played an instrumental role in my development as a person. The Greyhounds gave me an opportunity to begin in hockey at a very young age and I have always operated in a way that I hoped would make the Greyhounds and the people of Sault Ste. Marie very proud.”

Kyle comes back to the Greyhounds organization after working 13 years in the hockey business beginning in 1998-99. Aside from his position with Uptown, Dubas previously worked with the Greyhounds in both Hockey & Business Operations. His role with the club included developing new corporate partners & revenue streams while also scouting and player development.

The Sports Management Graduate from Brock University (Dean’s List honours) becomes one of the youngest GM's in Ontario Hockey League history and is one of three members of the Dubas family to work for the team. Kyle’s grandfather, Walter, coached the Hounds from 1960 through 1967 while his sister Megan currently holds the position of the team’s Marketing & Gameday Operations Coordinator.

“This is a young, talented hockey club with a promising core group of players already in place. I will strive to bring the best possible coaching staff to the Soo so that these young men can maximize their potential on and off the ice” mentioned the Hounds new GM.

“The motto that will encompass our entire organization in 2011-12 season is 'The Rising' . The Rising embodies a movement towards long-term excellence by capturing the passion, energy, and enthusiasm of the organization and the city of Sault Ste. Marie. I can assure you that our entire staff will do everything possible to make this the most exciting era of Greyhounds hockey in nearly two decades." concluded Dubas.

Kyle will now immediately begin preparing for the OHL’s Priority Selection (Saturday, May 7th) while moving forward with securing the team’s coaching staff.

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

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