McDonald Named Rivermen General Manager of Hockey Operations
June 16, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release
Peoria, Ill. (June 16, 2005) - St. Louis Blues Senior Vice President & General Manager Larry Pleau announced today that the club has named Kevin McDonald as general manager of the American Hockey League's (AHL) Peoria Rivermen, the club's top minor league affiliate. McDonald also will retain his title as director of professional scouting with the Blues.
"We are very pleased to name Kevin McDonald as the new general manager of hockey operations for the Peoria Rivermen," said Pleau. "Kevin will be invaluable in this role as the Rivermen franchise establishes itself at the highest level of minor professional hockey, and the St. Louis Blues continue their player development activities. As he had done previously in Worcester, Kevin will work alongside the team's coaching and administrative staffs, including President & CEO Bart Rogers."
McDonald, 40, entered into his career at the National Hockey League level in 1988-89 with the New York Rangers and held several different positions, including director of communications, while working in the Hockey Operations Department. In 1994-95 he began working as a professional scout, reporting to then Assistant General Manager Larry Pleau. During his tenure with the Rangers, he played a role in the organization's momentous 1994 Stanley Cup Championship. He later received a Calder Cup ring after the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers' top minor league affiliate, captured the AHL Championship in 2000.
McDonald started a new chapter in his career by joining the Blues as a pro scout in 2000, and was subsequently promoted to director of professional scouting in 2003.
"I am excited about the chance to collaborate with the ownership group headed by Bruce Saurs and Anne Griffith, as well as Bart Rogers, Larry Pleau and the Rivermen coaching staff in giving the fans of Peoria an entertaining and winning product as we begin the journey of playing in the American Hockey League," said McDonald.
McDonald graduated from Boston College with a bachelor's degree in communications. He later received a master's degree in sports management from the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala.
Kevin and his wife, Lauren, reside in North Andover, Mass., with their three stepchildren: Joseph, Jenna and Daniel; and son, Sean, and daughter, Kayleigh.
The Rivermen, proud primary affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, are a member of the American Hockey League, which serves as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. The AHL had more than 7 million fans attend games across North America during the 2004-2005 season.
The Rivermen begin play in the 2005-2006 AHL season in October at Carver Arena at the Peoria Civic Center in Downtown Peoria, Ill. Season ticket purchases may be made and further information may be received by calling or e-mailing Director of Ticket Operations Jim Small at (309) 676-1040 x106 or tickets@rivermen.net.
American Hockey League Stories from June 16, 2005
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