Storm announce organizational changes
The Guelph Storm Hockey Club announced today that Todd Harvey will join the team’s coaching staff for the 2013-14 season. The Sheffield, Ontario native will add his experience as an NHL forward to Head Coach Scott Walker’s staff along with returning assistant and former NHL defenceman and NHL Head Coach Bill Stewart. Chris Hajt, who served as an Assistant Coach with Walker last season has been appointed to work alongside Mike Kelly as the Storm’s Assistant General Manager.
With his new position, Hajt fills an organizational need that was evident at the management level. As such he will work with Mike Kelly in all areas of hockey operations, including scouting (with particular emphasis on US based teams and players), prospect development, OHL and Import drafts as well as team administration, public relations and business relations.
“Chris is a proven OHL coach who also has significant management abilities. Having him help me with the hockey operation side of things makes us a better team now and in the future,” Storm GM Mike Kelly said.
Harvey will be a familiar voice for the returning Storm players. During the 2012-13 season, the former OHL star participated in several on-ice sessions with the hockey club. Since retiring from the NHL after a pro career that spanned 12 seasons, Harvey has been involved at The Hockey Loft training facility working on skill development with players of all ages.
“Todd is a welcome addition to our staff. He brings a wealth of experience as a player and also as a hockey “teacher”. He relates extremely well with our players as was proven last season when he volunteered his time with the team, Mike Kelly explained.”
Originally drafted first overall in the 1991 OHL Priority Selection by the Detroit Jr. Red Wings, Harvey recorded an impressive 249 points in three seasons with the club. In 1994, he won Gold as a member of Team Canada at the World Junior Championships and one year later he captained Canada to another Gold Medal in Red Deer, Alberta.
In 1993, he was drafted in the first round of the NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars, 9th overall. During his 671 game NHL career he collected 223 points with 91 goals and 132 assists. He retired from professional hockey in 2006.
Tickets for the Guelph Storm’s 2013-14 season go on sale Friday, August 23rd. Four days later, on August 27th the players descend upon the Sleeman Centre for training camp. The first home exhibition game is Monday, September 2nd as the North Bay Battalion visit the eye of the Storm.
