The Whitecourt Wolverines are pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Bouchard as the team’s new Director of Player Personnel, effective immediately.
Bouchard has served as an assistant coach with the team in the past and has filled several other roles since the inaugural season in 2012-2013.
He brings a wealth of knowledge to the Wolverines front office having experienced the highest level of success in the Alberta Junior Hockey League after winning the league championship with the Drayton Valley Thunder as a player in 2002. During the championship season, Bouchard had played for former local resident of Whitecourt, coach Ian Kallay. Bouchard would end his AJHL career under coach Mark Howell, who is currently the Head Coach of the Calgary Dino’s of the CIS men’s hockey.
Bouchard played three and a half seasons with the Thunder. In 180 career AJHL games he recorded 54 goals and 90 assists. Bouchard is 5th all-time in scoring for the Drayton Valley Thunder.
“The recruiting is so huge and that’s what I’m really look forward to,” noted Bouchard on his role with the team “I just want to bring another mind, another set of eyes to the club. Go watch those midget hockey games and bring in some good kids and good hockey players to the Wolverines and help this team be good for a long time.”
The appointment came shortly after Bouchard decided to hang up his skates after a dominant Senior AA career with the Falher Pirates in the North Peace Hockey League. The former captain, NPHL champion, and two time NPHL most valuable player posted over 500 career points in the North Peace Hockey League.
“I’ve played the game for a long time, whether it’s Junior ‘A’ or Senior Men’s, and I’ve always wanted to get involved with the Wolverines,” says Bouchard on his reason for joining the club on a more permanent basis, “Joe has always given me opportunities to help out; being an assistant coach in the second half last year, or even just helping with the spring camps and I’m just looking forward to joining the club in a management role and keep an already great organization moving forward.”
The Whitecourt Wolverines are excited to add Jason to our Hockey Operations. Jason will bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to our team. His experience coaching at the Junior ‘A’ level with our program last season will give him a good head start into his new role with the team. He understands the culture and identity of our program and knows exactly what type of players were looking for. As an organization we have no doubt that Jason will play a vital role in the growth of our hockey program and provide the long term stability to our player recruitment and development.