Checkers Make It Official - Wilkinson Is New GM / Interim Head Coach
Published on January 30, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
The Charlotte Checkers officially announce today that Derek Wilkinson will assume the title of General Manager and interim Head Coach. Yesterday the Checkers relieved Head Coach & General Manager Don MacAdam of his duties prior to Charlotte's road game at Greensboro.
The official announcement is made today by Checkers Owner / CEO Carl Scheer and club President Jeff Longo. In Wilkinson's first official game as Head Coach last night in Greensboro, the Charlotte beat the Generals 5-3. Derek served the club this season as Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach prior to his promotion.
CHECKERS OWNER / CEO CARL SCHEER
"We felt we needed to go in a different direction at this time," said Checkers Owner / CEO Carl Scheer. "We were also concerned about our lack of success at home, and that the team needed to be energized. We want to thank Don MacAdam for all he has done for the Checkers organization these past four years. He has always handled himself as a true professional."
Prior to being named General Manager and interim Head Coach on Thursday, Wilkinson held the position of Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach. Last season was Wilkinson's first season as Assistant Coach for the Checkers, and he assumed the additional title of Assistant General Manager prior to this season.
CHECKERS NEW GM & INTERIM HEAD COACH DEREK WILKINSON
"I certainly have mixed emotions taking over as Head Coach, remarked Wilkinson. "I'm disappointed for Don and am very grateful for very good relationship we had. For my career, I'm very excited about this great opportunity. We have a great organization and our affiliation with the New York Rangers and Hartford Wolf Pack is solid. Our team has proven we can win after going 13-3-1 earlier in the s! eason. My job now is to help change the team's attitude so that we can start winning again."
Wilkinson was a player for the Checkers in the 1999-2000 season. His professional playing career spanned seven seasons and four pro leagues including the National Hockey League, International Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and British Super League in Europe.
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