When the Steelheads start up their season next year, the players on the bench may look the same, but some of the faces behind the players will be new.
Matt Davey is stepping down as president of the club after five years, and will be replaced by Steve Graf.
“He’s a big hockey fan, so it was a pretty sensible choice,” said Davey. “It’ll be really good to have a new set of eyes looking out for the team.”
Graf’s Harley Davidson dealership has been a sponsor of the team since it first began, and said he will continue to support the team as a sponsor as well as being the new president.
He said he has no concrete plans yet, as he’s still working out exactly what his duties will be as president. Although he knows he will be called on to help raise funds for the team, he doesn’t want to step on any toes, and said he plans to slowly feel his way into the position.
The executive and volunteers with the team should make the transition fairly painless, he said.
“You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and there’s some pretty dedicated volunteers there,” said Graf.
He said he sees the team as a great motivation for younger hockey players in town, knowing that there’s a future in competitive hockey beyond the minor league system for youth.
“I think the Steelheads are a great thing for Smithers,” he said. “These young men are good role models for kids.”
Along with the president’s position, there will also be another major change for the team, as head coach Gord Young is moving to the Okanagan, and will be replaced by Tom DeVries.
“He’s a Smithers DeVries. I don’t think you can have that last name and not be connected to hockey,” said Davey.
Davey said he will stay on in an advisory role for a year as Past President, but it’s time for him to move on.
“It was a great five years with the team. I think they’re stronger now than they’ve ever been,” he said. “I’m a little bit sad to go. I’ll definitely be in the stands watching home games.”