Matt Bardsley Named Kamloops Blazers General Manager
June 1, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kamloops Blazers News Release
Kamloops Blazers General Manager Matt Bardsley
(Kamloops Blazers)
Kamloops, BC - The Kamloops Blazers have named Matt Bardsley as the General Manager of the hockey club.
Bardsley started with the Portland Winterhawks in 1999 as a Scout. He worked his way up through the Winterhawks organization and spent the past eight seasons as Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager.
During Bardsley's time with the Winterhawks, they have appeared in four WHL finals and won the 2013 WHL Championship.
"We have watched Matt draft and recruit some tremendous players during his tenure in Portland," commented Governor / Co-Owner, Tom Gaglardi. "Matt brings a strong resume to Kamloops and we are elated to have him lead our hockey operations. He is a bright, young hockey mind who has earned the opportunity to be a General Manager in the WHL."
A few notable players the Winterhawks have drafted and developed into NHL players under Bardsley's tenure include Ryan Johansen, Brandon Dubinsky, Ty Rattie, Nino Niederreiter, Sven Baertschi, Brendan Leipsic, and Nic Petan.
The Winterhawks current roster also includes first round NHL draft picks Cody Glass and Kieffer Bellows.
"Today is a great day for our franchise. We are thrilled to have Matt join the Kamloops Blazers," commented Co-Owner, Shane Doan. "He has a proven track record of success in the WHL and we believe he is the perfect fit for the Blazers."
"I'd like to thank Tom Gaglardi and the rest of the ownership group for giving me this opportunity," commented Bardsley. "My wife and I are excited to move to Kamloops and raise our young family. The Kamloops Blazers franchise has a rich and storied history. I am excited to get started and build a foundation of success."
"I would also like to thank the Portland Winterhawks organization for all of their support and guidance over the years as well as preparing me for this next step in my career," said Bardsley.
The search for a coaching staff will begin immediately. All resumes can be sent to info@blazerhockey.com.
Bardsley will be in attendance this weekend as the Blazers host their annual Spring Prospects Camp.
The camp will feature the 2002 and 2003 born drafted and listed players. The hockey club will have 23 players participate in the camp including Kamloops natives Logan Stankoven (1st round, 2018) and Jarrod Semchuk (6th round, 2017).
Ice sessions will be at Brock Arena and are open to the public on Saturday, June 2 from 12:30pm - 2:15pm and Sunday, June 3 from 9:30am - 11:15am.
Images from this story
 Matt Bardsley hoists the Memorial Cup with the Portland Winterhawks |
 Kamloops Blazers General Manager Matt Bardsley |
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Western Hockey League Stories from June 1, 2018
- Colville Brings Stanley Cup Pedigree to Rebels - Red Deer Rebels
- Matt Bardsley Named Kamloops Blazers General Manager - Kamloops Blazers
- Winterhawks' Matt Bardsley Named General Manager of the Kamloops Blazers - Portland Winterhawks
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