The Alberta Junior Hockey League Board of Governors has unanimously approved the transfer of ownership of the Spruce Grove Saints to the group of Silent Ice, including Dan Leckelt, Lindsey Leckelt and Ryan Smyth.
“We want to thank Darren Myshak for his leadership as the owner of the Saints over the past 14 seasons. Darren was instrumental in bringing the team back to Spruce Grove and winning four AJHL Championships. The Saints are respected as one of the top Jr. A franchises in Canada and we are proud to build on the team’s success,” stated Dan Leckelt.
The Leckelts are business owners of Silent-Aire, an engineering and manufacturing company with 900 employees and operations in Edmonton, Phoenix, Seattle, Virginia and Europe. Silent Ice is also the owner of Stony Plain Eagles Senior AAA team that Ryan Smyth captains.
“The AJHL is looking forward to working with new Saints ownership group while integrating their passion and business acumen within the Mission and Vision of our league. I am confident that Lindsey, Dan and Ryan will have a positive and significant impact on the organization, community and league,” commented AJHL Commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk. “I would also like to recognize the significant commitment and contribution of former Saints Governor Darren Myshak and thank him for his efforts over the past 14 years.”
Retired NHL player and Oilers alumni Ryan Smyth has been named the President of the team and is looking forward to the new challenges and the opportunities. “The Saints look forward to strengthening our relationships with fans, sponsors and uniting the entire Parkland County including Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and surrounding communities,” stated Smyth. “My experience in hockey has taught me that we can only control how hard we work at the rink every day and I want to bring my passion and desire to win with the Saints.”
The Saints are dedicating additional resources and infrastructure to continuously improve the development of the athletes in the program and extend our community involvement.
The Saints have also announced that GM and Head Coach Mike Ringrose has decided to leave the Saints to pursue other opportunities. “Mike has been a key part of the Saints program and AJHL Championships. We have highest level of respect for Mike’s ability to develop hockey players and wish him the best in the future,” commented Lindsey Leckelt. “Mike has agreed to assist in the transition and we appreciate his continued support of the Saints.”
Ryan Smyth remarked, “The search for a GM and Coach has started. The ownership group has a strong desire to be immersed in the community and we are looking forward to announcing the new leadership team in the near future. We have secured Stony Plain minor hockey product and former NHL player Steven Goertzen as our Hockey Skills Development Coach. Steven’s hiring is an example of how we will invest in building the athlete development capabilities of the Saints.”
For More Information please contact:
Chad Hohmann – Director of Sales and Marketing
Spruce Grover Saints Jr. A Hockey Club
chohmann@silentice.com or 780-916-3446