Spruce Grove, Alberta – Spruce Grove Saints Governor and Owner, Darren Myshak, today announced that Dan and Lindsey Leckelt will be joining him as owners of the Spruce Grove Saints Junior A Hockey Club. The Leckelt brothers are well-known Canadian businessmen with deep roots in the local hockey community. They are currently Co-Presidents of Silent-Aire, an HVAC and Data Center manufacturing company with 700 employees at facilities in Edmonton and Phoenix.
“I am proud to announce my partnership with Dan and Lindsey Leckelt. Over the years, I have had multiple opportunities to take on partners with this franchise. I have known the Leckelt brothers for years and it was when we started talking about hockey and the philosophies that go with operating a program like the Saints, I was comfortable with accepting them as partners,” stated Darren Myshak who has owned the team since arriving in Spruce Grove in 2004.
“Since 1998 Lindsey and I have been involved in hockey in the Parkland area. First by playing for the Stony Plain Eagles for over 10 seasons and then acquiring the Stony Plain Eagles in 2014,” said Dan Leckelt, “We are very proud of our involvement with the Eagles and now being given the opportunity to be a part of the Spruce Grove Saints
we will be able to expand our commitment and support to the game that has given us so much. Darren has been totally committed to keeping the Saints in Spruce Grove with the goal of providing a platform where young athletes can continue with their education and hockey skills. The business model, both on and off the ice, continues to evolve and improve, and we have been fortunate enough to witness the enthusiasm for the Saints during the AJHL playoff runs. Now is the right time for us to join this organization.”
Captain Canada Ryan Smyth signs on with Saints ownership group:
In addition, the Saints have also added retired NHL star Ryan Smyth to the ownership group.
“The partnership blossomed quickly when Lindsey talked to his friend Ryan Smyth about the Saints franchise and he expressed interest in being part of the new ownership group. I am looking forward to the support on and off the ice and even more so to the fun and comradery with my new partners” stated Myshak.
Lindsey Leckelt agreed that bringing Smyth into the ownership group will be a key part of growing the Saints franchise, “Ryan has been an excellent ambassador for Team Canada and his NHL career speaks for itself. Ryan made an immediate impact on the Eagles organization when he joined the club and we know that his involvement with Saints will have the same result. His passion for the game of hockey is unmatched and we are very excited to have him as part of the Saints ownership group.”
“I have always loved playing for Team Canada and being part of the local hockey community that is so important to me. The Saints are an important part of this community and I am proud to join Darren, Dan and Lindsey as part of the ownership group,” stated Smyth.
“The Leckelt brothers and addition of Ryan Smyth diversifies and strengthens the Spruce Grove Saints. Adding the right partners are an important part of our long-term business strategy. I know they share my passion for both the Saints and our community, and we are committed to making sure the team remains in Spruce Grove long-term. Since we brought the Saints home we have worked hard to create a safe and winning environment and good entertainment for our loyal fans. I am confident that our new partnership will not only carry on this tradition but also take this franchise to the next level,” concluded Myshak.
The Saints began playing in Spruce Grove in 2004 and have won 4 AJHL Championships since moving to the Grant Fuhr Arena. The Saints have won the Northern Division Championship for an unprecedented 6 of the past 7 years.
Darren and the new partners are available to media on September 6th at 4:0opm on the second floor of Grant Fuhr Arena. Refreshments will be provided.
Media Contact:
Marc Kronewitt
Director of Business Development
Silent-Aire Manufacturing Inc.
Phone: 780.288.0143