WHL COACHES & GM’S GATHER IN CALGARY
Calgary, AB — The Western Hockey League General Manager and Head Coach Seminar was held in Calgary on Tuesday in advance of the WHL’s 49th Regular Season. All General Managers and Head Coaches from each of the WHL’s 22 member Clubs attended the seminar.
This year’s seminar was highlighted by the continued focus of the WHL and its member Clubs on player safety initiatives contained in the WHL Seven Point Plan. Introduced prior to the 2011-12 season, the WHL Seven Point Plan is a comprehensive player safety initiative designed to reduce injuries and improve quality of play. In the first three seasons since being implemented by the WHL, the Seven Point Plan has been effective in reducing concussions and other injuries.
“Player safety and the quality of the overall player experience is the top priority each season for the WHL,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “This seminar is an opportunity to reinforce all of the new initiatives the WHL has undertaken to enhance overall experience for all WHL players.”
Playing rules and areas of emphasis for the 2014-15 WHL Season aimed at increasing player safety were also outlined at the seminar. The WHL Player Experience was another key topic this year as the WHL and its member Clubs continue to develop elite players while ensuring athletes achieve their academic goals in a safe and healthy environment.
The WHL also announced today that Yves Lacasse of Kamloops, BC has been appointed the WHL Security Officer. A retired RCMP Superintendant, Lacasse has been involved with the Kamloops Blazers in a security/player mentorship capacity for the last 10 seasons. Acting in a volunteer capacity in his new role with the WHL, Lacasse will conduct internal reviews and investigations on behalf of the WHL Office to ensure WHL Clubs are operating in accordance with league standards and regulations. Mr. Lacasse will also be responsible to facilitate the implementation of a new league-wide security program with all WHL Clubs.
