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The MHL officially announced the hiring of Brian Whitehead to the position of league President. Whitehead will assume the role effective immediately.

 

A 56 year old resident of New Maryland, New Brunswick, Whitehead has a long history in the game at various levels. From 1999 to 2014, he was the Executive Director of Hockey New Brunswick, with duties covering an extensive range within the business side of the sport. Prior to his time with Hockey New Brunswick, Whitehead spent three seasons as assistant coach of the St. Thomas University Tommies men’s hockey program. He has also worked with the Coaches Association of Canada as a Master Course Coordinator for various National Certification programs.

 

Whitehead also spent time in the former NBJHL as a player, leading that league in scoring in 1980-81 while with the Fredericton Red Wings. In addition, he was a consultant on the CBC film “Canada vs. Russia – The Summit Series” and the film “Sticks and Stones”.

 

“I’m excited to be involved with the MHL and to be working in hockey again,” Whitehead said. “Dave Ritcey and the rest of the league have come forward with some great initiatives over the past couple of years. The product on the ice is as good as it’s ever been. From a business perspective, I look forward to expanding the brand that is the MHL.”

 

In conjunction with the hiring of Whitehead, the MHL also announced that former President Dave Ritcey has been named the newest Chairman of the Board of Governors. Ritcey assumed the role of league President in February, 2015 on an interim basis before being hired on a full time basis in June, 2015. Ritcey announced his intent to step down this past June. Prior to accepting the Presidency, Ritcey served as a league Vice-President for six years. He fills the role formerly held dually by Stu Rath and Graham Baxter. Rath and Baxter, governors of the Truro Bearcats and Valley Wildcats respectively, held the Co-Chair position for two years.

 

“Dave did a great job as league President and played a critical role in moving the MHL into a new direction,” Baxter said. “With his hockey knowledge and business sense, it was the general feeling of the Board of Governors to keep Dave involved in some capacity. He’s passionate about this league and is more than qualified to fill the role of Chairman. As a group, the Board of Governors look forward to the direction the league will pursue under Brian and Dave’s leadership.”

 

Ritcey is equally excited about filling the Chairman’s role.

 

“Stepping down as President was a very difficult decision for me,” Ritcey explained. “The game and this league have been such a big part of my life for so long. It is my honor to continue to serve the MHL as Chairman of the Board of Governors. I also look forward to working alongside Brian as he embarks on what will no doubt be a successful tenure as league President.”

 

Whitehead and Ritcey’s first event in their new roles with be the next Board of Governors meeting, to be held in Moncton, New Brunswick on August 13th.