The Western Hockey League's board of governors has insured Ron Robison will become the league's longest serving commissioner.
The board announced Thursday it has extended Robison's contract for another three years.
Entering his 22nd season at the helm, Robison is set to surpass former WHL president Ed Chynoweth, who guided the WHL for 21 seasons (1973-79; 1980-95).
Kelowna Rockets president, and board chair Bruce Hamilton said the vote was unanimous.
"Over 21 years, Ron has done a tremendous job of continually elevating the Western Hockey League, including guiding the WHL through the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring all clubs were able to deliver a development season for WHL players.
"As we emerge from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ron’s continued leadership will be vital for the WHL to maintain its standing as a world leader in hockey development, player experience, and hockey scholarships.”
Under his leadership, Hamilton says the league has experienced unprecedented growth, becoming the world’s largest major junior hockey league in the world with 22 member clubs throughout Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The league is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships with close to 400 graduates each year receiving WHL scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice.
Most recently, Robison guided the WHL through the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully delivering an important development season in 2020-21 for WHL players during a time where many elite athletic programs were not in a position to operate. Robison also continues to service on the CHL executive council and CHL board of directors.
“It is an honour and privilege to continue serving as commissioner of this great league,” said Robison.
“I am very fortunate to work with a highly committed ownership group and staff with our 22 member clubs and exceptionally dedicated staff at our WHL office who continue to be focused on maintaining the WHL’s position as a world-leading development league in the seasons ahead.”