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Chiefs To Retire Galen Head's #8

October 11, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Johnstown, PA- Johnstown Chiefs Vice-President and General Manager Jim Brazill announced today that the team will be retiring former Johnstown Jet legend and current Chiefs assistant coach Galen Head's #8 prior to their home opener next Saturday (October 18th) versus the Long Beach Ice Dogs.

"This is something we have wanted to do for some time. We are retiring his number for not only what he did as a Johnstown Jet, but what he has done for Johnstown hockey. The Bishop McCort program would not be what it is today if it wasn't for Galen. He has been a key part of the Chiefs for several seasons. His number #8 will hang from the rafters of the War Memorial," said Brazill.

Head, 56, has made countless contributions to Johnstown hockey over the last 36 years. During the 1967-68 season, he made his rookie debut, while under contract with the Detroit Red Wings with the Eastern Hockey League's Johnstown Jets. In 70 games that season, Head scored 53 goals and 105 points in just 70 games. The then 20 year old native of Grand Prairie, Alberta made his NHL debut later that season with the Red Wings, playing alongside future hockey hall of famers Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio.

Head returned to Johnstown the following season only to better his numbers, where he scored 67 goals and 121 points in 72 games. In eight full seasons with the Jets, Head played in 561 games, scoring 308 goals and 601 points. He ranks 5th all-time in Johnstown hockey in games played, 3rd in goals, 6th in assists, and 4th in points.

Head retired from hockey after the Jets 1975-76 season. He then turned his focus to the youth of Johnstown. Head was instrumental in the development of youth hockey in the greater Johnstown area. Perhaps his most lasting legacy is the success of the Bishop McCort High School hockey program. Head co-founded the team and coached it for 11 years. Under his leadership, the Crushers won three consecutive state Class A championships, the last of which was won in 1996. He retired after that season.

"What Galen Head brings to the greater Johnstown hockey community and has done so for several decades through his play as a Jet, his coaching at McCort and his invaluable assistance with the Johnstown Chiefs merits #8 being retired. His contributions to the growth of Johnstown hockey spans many decades and generations. For that I feel he deserves this great honor. I would also like to recognize one of our captains, Jeff Sullivan, for his unselfishness to give up his number #8 to honor Galen next Saturday night," said Chiefs Head Coach Toby O'Brien.

In 1998, Head joined the Chiefs as a volunteer assistant coach. During the last six seasons, he has helped former Chiefs head coach Scott Allen and O'Brien with game preparation. Head resides in Johnstown with his wife Gracie.

Chiefs season tickets and mini-plans are still on sale. For more information call (814) 539-1799 or 1-800-SLAPSHOT. The Johnstown Chiefs kick off the 2003-2004 home schedule in just 7 days, on Saturday, October 18th when they host the Long Beach (C.A.) Ice Dogs at 7:00 p.m.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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