Springfield, Requiem. … The American Hockey League Board of Governors announced this today Scott Howson He agreed to the terms of a multi-year contract extension in which he would continue as President and CEO of the American Hockey League.
“The past three years have presented many challenges, but I believe the AHL is stronger today because of the teamwork, collaboration and shared desire of our clubs to make our league the best it can be,” said Howson. “I would like to thank the Board of Governors and Executive Committee for the opportunity to continue to lead the AHL into even more successful years ahead.”
“The Board of Directors is pleased to reach an agreement to continue Scott Howson as President and CEO of the American Hockey League,” he said. Terra BlackCharlotte Checkers Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the AHL Executive Committee. “We look forward to working together to ensure continued growth and success under his leadership.”
Howson was unanimously elected to be the 10th president in league history in 2020 and has already led the AHL team and its members through unprecedented challenges, starting with navigating through two seasons that required diligent management of protocols and logistics to ensure the league operated in a safe place. effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The AHL has since added a 32nd franchise, the Coachella Valley Firebirds; expanded the Calder Cup Playoff to 23 teams to allow for greater player development through beneficial late-season and post-season experience; It implemented a consolidated 72-game regular season schedule; It reached record levels of ticket and corporate sales revenue in 2022-23. Howson has also actively advocated for diversity and inclusion across the league, most notably with the addition of 10 women in 2021 to the roster of AHL referees and lines for the first time.
Howson, a native of Toronto, came to the AHL after 26 years as an executive with the National Hockey League’s Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets organizations, with wide-ranging responsibilities including hockey operations and management, player development, salary cap compliance, contract negotiations, and exploration. evaluation and business operations. He served as general manager of the Blue Jackets from 2007 to 2013, leading the franchise to its first Stanley Cup appearance in 2009, and was also general manager of the Oilers’ AHL affiliates from 1994 to 2007, reaching the Calder Cup Finals and serving as a member of the AHL’s Board of Governors.