When Mark Holick realized he wasn’t going to get the Prince George Cougars General Manager position, he pressed the new ownership group to hire Todd Harkins. Team President Greg Pocock listened and after interviewing five finalists he decided to promote the 45-year-old Harkins from Head Scout and Director of Player Personnel, to GM. Holick and Harkins have formed a strong bond and will be instrumental in making the Cougars competitive. Holick, after getting a two year extension, and Harkins, are under contract for the next four years. With solid financial backing and the authority required to make an impact, Holick and Harkins should be capable of improving the Cougars quickly. Making the playoffs is attainable, especially when 8 out of 10 Western Conference teams qualify, and just a
starting point for a club that has missed five of the past seven years. Harkins, who is a first time GM in the WHL, is not setting a timetable to deliver a banner. Yes, this is a case where fans demand actions to speak far greater than any words.
–The Vancouver Giants are expected to name Troy Ward as their new head coach. Ward coached the Abbotsford Heat of the AHL the past three seasons, compiling a record of 119-83-26.
–After three seasons in Prince George, the Spruce Kings traded 20-year-old defenceman Skylar Pacheco and future considerations to the Cowichan Valley Capitals in return for 19-year-old forward Taylor Allan and 20-year-old defenseman Valik Chichkin. In 24 games with Cowichan Valley, the 6”0” 185lb Allan had 8 goals, 4 assists and 24 penalty minutes. In 51 BCHL games with Trail and Cowichan, the 6’3” 210lb Chichkinn notched 2 goals, 14 assists and 62 penalty minutes.