Commish gets new deal

Photo: Contributed - BCHL

BCHL Commissioner, John Grisdale

The British Columbia Hockey League is pleased to announce commissioner John Grisdale, executive director Trevor Alto and communications director Brent Mutis have each signed three-year contract extensions with the league.

Grisdale started with the BCHL in the 2003-04 campaign and this contract will see him through his 15th year as commissioner. Alto was hired in 2012 while Mutis began in 2010.

“As we continue to develop our brand and prove ourselves as a worthy development option for players and their families, it’s important we keep our team together at the league office,” says Grisdale.

“With the core group intact, we can continue our focus on strengthening each member club financially and strategically positioning the BCHL to take advantage of the all the opportunities in front of it.”

Over the last five seasons under Grisdale, the BCHL has averaged 126 college commitments per season for players which translates into about $2 million in scholarship value to families.

The league has also won four RBC Cup national championships during Grisdale’s tenure as well as the inaugural Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup title in 2013.

Alto has taken charge of the league’s discipline and officiating program and will again work with officiating directors Derek Adams and Brad Lazarowich, who will continue in their BCHL roles this season.

The league’s discipline appeals committee, consisting of Doug Deacon, Don Tonks, Bruce Abbott and Guy Lanki, remains intact as well.

Mutis has managed all media relations and league publications since joining the BCHL and has developed a sizable presence in the social media landscape for the league. He will continue his mandate of maximizing team and player exposure to scouts and media.

In other league office news, Rob Lambie has joined on as director of hockey operations and Henrietta Woo will continue in her role as office administrator.