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Mike Henry Named Director of Compuware Youth Hockey Program

June 8, 2012 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Plymouth Whalers News Release


PLYMOUTH - Compuware Arena President Mike Vellucci announced the appointment of Mike Henry as new Director of the Compuware Youth Hockey Program. Vellucci also announced the appointment of Bob DeSpirt as Assistant Director of the program.

Henry and DeSpirt begin their new positions immediately.

"The Compuware Youth program has established a standard of excellence for many years," said Vellucci. "Mike and Bob bring energy and experience to the program. I'm confident they'll continue to build on the tradition of developing players on and off the ice."

Henry - who is an Arena Manager at Compuware Arena - worked as a coach within the Compuware program and recently was appointed Interim Youth Director. He was originally hired at Compuware Arena in 2006 and promoted to Arena Manager in 2007.

DeSpirt has enjoyed a long history in youth hockey and comes over to Compuware from the Novi Youth Hockey Association, where he served as president of the organization.

"Bob's dealt with all levels of youth hockey for a long time," Vellucci said. "His experience is invaluable. I look forward to seeing Mike and Bob assist Compuware hockey players reach their full potential."

Founded in the early 1980s by Compuware CEO Peter Karmanos, Jr., the Compuware Youth program has enjoyed perennial success. The Compuware Youth program has won 14 National Titles and 32 Michigan Amateur Hockey Association State Titles since being formed a little over 30 years ago.

Compuware's Bantam Major, Pee Wee Major and Pee Wee Minor teams are the current defending state champions.

In addition, Karamanos' Ontario Hockey League teams - the Plymouth Whalers and Windsor Compuware Spitfires - have three OHL titles (1988, 1995 and 2007), while Karmanos' Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup in 2006.

The Compuware Youth Tier I programs play in the High Performance Hockey League, one of the top travel leagues in North America.

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