Lethbridge Hurricanes: What are the Challenges Managing a Junior Hockey Club? (Part 1)

The Lethbridge Hurricanes Western Hockey League (WHL) franchise began in Winnipeg 45 years ago as the Winnipeg Jets. The franchise stayed in Winnipeg until the conclusion of the 1976-1977 season, along the way changing its name to the Winnipeg Clubs and later, the Winnipeg Monarchs. The franchise moved to Calgary for the 1977-78 season playing there as the Wranglers for 10 seasons before relocating to their current home in Lethbridge as the Hurricanes in 1987. The first Lethbridge WHL franchise arrived in 1974 when the Broncos were acquired from Swift Current only to see them return there following the 1985-86 season. The speakers will present their perspective on the many and ongoing issues that a WHL franchise has to deal with in order to be competitive, viable and respected. They will also discuss community versus corporate ownership as well as the impact the Hurricane franchise has on the City of Lethbridge and the surrounding area. Speakers: Brian McNaughton and Brian Wichers Brian McNaughton is the President of the Lethbridge Hurricanes and active with Hockey Alberta. Away from hockey, he has agriculture businesses in Canada, USA and Chile. Brian Wichers is a Lethbridge businessman and strong supporter of many community associations. He is currently the Vice-President of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.