Head Coach and GM Travis Clayton has finalized the Bobcats hockey operations staff for the 2016-17 season. Dean Moisan will be the team’s new Director of Player Personnel while Lance Achtymichuk will fill the empty Head Scout position.
Moisan is going into his second season with the organization after spending 2015-16 as the team’s Head Scout. Heading into camp, Moisan says he is eager to see this year’s recruits and recent additions.
“We are optimistic with the players we have coming in and some of the players we have traded for that we are going to be competitive,” said Moisan.
Last season the Bobcats had 13 players commit to playing hockey at the next level, a feat Moisan is focused on continuing.
“After last year we are definitely on the NCAA radar. Gord (Thibodeau) was obviously very well connected. I was able to meet and develop a number of those connections myself so definitely we are going to work as hard if not harder this season to make sure these young kids – that we think will be successful at this level and the next – are getting a good look,” said Moisan.
Achtymichuk will be the new Head Scout of the team and like Moisan is looking forward to his second season with the Cats.
“I enjoy getting out and meeting the players and the families. The one thing I really find gratifying is seeing these kids move on and help them along the way,” said Achtymichuk.
Achtymichuk currently lives in Edmonton and has CJHL scouting experience as a member of the Humboldt Broncos. His goal for himself and his scouting team is simple:
“You have to make sure you have a presence at arenas and you have to make sure that you are communicating with the player’s coaches and parents. For me its about building a reputation with the players and the parents, then you go from there,” says Achtymichuk.
“As long as our presence is out there and we are communicating well and building a good rapport, that’s all you can ask for.”
Former Head Coach Garry VanHereweghe has resigned from his role as Director of Player Personnel and will no longer be with the organization. The Bobcats would like to thank Garry and the rest of his family for their significant contributions to the franchise since 2013.
**Bobcats Main Camp gets underway this Friday, August 26th. Make sure you come out to the Centennial Civic Center, starting at 7:30 p.m. to catch your first taste of 2016-17 Bobcats hockey.
