Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Ward Won't Coach, But Ownerships Suits Him Fine

Dixon Ward isn't ready for coaching just yet.
The former NHL'er, who makes Kelowna his home, is now one of a group from the Okanagan Hockey School Academy who are majority owners of the BC Hockey League's Alberni Valley Bulldogs. The deal to buy a portion of the team was announced this week.
I asked Ward if he would coach the Bulldogs considering they are without a coach. "I can unequivocally say no, you will not see me behind the bench anytime soon. You never know where the hockey world takes you in the future, but for me I'm to actively involved in the hockey schools in the Okanagan".
Why would his partners in the Okanagan Hockey School Academy buy a majority share in a junior team?
"It seemed like a perfect fit for us", Ward said. "We've looked long and hard at trying to acquire a junior 'A' team. It's an extension of our academy where we will direct some of our kids in that direction".
The academy runs three midget teams and a junior 'B' team, and Ward says it's somewhat designed like Notre Dame or Shattock St Mary's in the U.S.
"We are happy with the community, the location, the fan support and the corporate support, so we are excited that everything worked out."
Ward's group bought 60 percent of the team, and retained two local owners.

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