Hockey Canada announced Wednesday its Program of Excellence Management Group for the 2023-24 season.
Erie Otters General Manager Dave Brown will guide Canada’s men’s under-17 program through the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Cam Russell (Halifax Mooseheads) was appointed as lead of the men’s under-18 program and Peter Anholt (Lethbridge Hurricanes) will oversee the men’s under-20 program, taking over from James Boyd (Ottawa 67’s) who steered the program to back-to-back World Junior gold medals.
“We are excited to welcome Dave and Cam to the POE to lead our under-17 and under-18 programs, and to welcome back Peter as the under-20 lead after an outstanding job guiding our under-18 program,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of hockey operations. “All three individuals bring a wealth of CHL experience to our program, and we look forward to having them work alongside our athletes and staff while leading our men’s national teams next season.
“We also wish to thank James Boyd for two years of commitment and dedication to Canada’s National Junior Team. James was instrumental in helping Canada win two-straight gold medals at the World Juniors, and we are grateful for his effort and leadership over the past two years.”
Brown is in his eighth season (2015-23) as general manager of the Erie Otters after serving four seasons (2011-15) as director of hockey operations with the team. He helped lead Erie to an OHL championship in 2017, and contributed to a CHL record of four-consecutive 50-win seasons (2011-15). Prior to joining the Otters, Brown spent seven seasons with the Mississauga/Niagara IceDogs, serving as assistant general manager (2003-05) and general manager (2005-10).
The management group will work alongside Salmond and Alan Millar, director of player personnel, as well as the organization’s hockey operations staff. Day-to-day operations for the POE management group include assisting in coach and player selections, supporting the coaching staffs and providing input during camps and tournaments throughout the season.
The Program of Excellence will be overseen by Pat McLaughlin, Hockey Canada’s chief operating officer; Salmond; Millar; Dan MacKenzie, CHL president; David Branch, OHL commissioner; Mario Cecchini, incoming QMJHL commissioner; and Ron Robison, WHL commissioner.
For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
