CALGARY, Alta. – Kirk Lamb, a lawyer and a former junior, college and professional hockey player, has been appointed the first full-time chairman and president of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL). Lamb has served as the CJHL’s volunteer chairman since January 2011 and during that time has substantially elevated the profile of the Canadian Junior Hockey League.

The creation of a full-time position and selection of Lamb is a critical step towards strengthening the hockey and business operations of the CJHL and growing the Junior A game.

“Our Junior A leagues are working together like never before,” said Lamb. “Their renewed commitment to national cooperation and organization presents a number of unique hockey and business opportunities that can grow the game for our players, teams and fans. I am honoured to be asked to lead this proud organization and I want to thank the CJHL Board of Governors and member leagues for allowing me to contribute to the proud tradition of Junior A hockey.”

Lamb comes to the CJHL with an extensive hockey and professional background. For the past five years he has practiced law with the Calgary firm of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP. He is an alumnus of the CJHL, CHL, NCAA, and ECHL, and is a graduate of Princeton University.

“Kirk has a high degree of integrity, is committed to develop and make every CJHL league better, is confident yet humble and can remain calm under pressure, under fire, under the gun,” said British Columbia Hockey League commissioner John Grisdale. “He can produce results. He is a winner.”

“The CJHL has evolved over the last couple of years to a point where there is an immediate need for a full-time chairman and president to lead the 10 leagues going forward,” said Ontario Junior Hockey League commissioner Marty Savoy. “The next 12 to 24 months are critical to the growth and advancement of the CJHL and we require an individual that can drive the overall improvement of the CJHL. Kirk has proven in a very short period of time that he has the knowledge and vision to take the Junior A leagues in Canada to the next level and we look forward to the next stage of growth under his leadership.”

One of Lamb’s primary responsibilities will be leveraging the CJHL’s unique strengths to exploit new and expanding opportunities in the hockey and business environment. Taking advantage of these opportunities is critical to the growth of Junior A hockey and, ultimately, the continued development of elite-level players and quality individuals.

“Each year Junior A hockey leagues and teams generate tens of millions of dollars that is invested in developing elite players, many who go on to college, major junior and professional careers,” Lamb said.“A strong and vibrant CJHL will help ensure that these funds continue to be generated and invested in our brightest prospects.”

The Canadian Junior Hockey League is dedicated to providing players with an unparalleled mix of development, exposure and opportunity. Lamb strongly believes that athletes and their families benefit tremendously from playing in the CJHL.

“The great thing about Junior A is that hockey’s best young players can come to our league, play at an elite level, get informed about their hockey and academic options and take the time to make a decision that is right for them and their family,” he said. “They can do this without jeopardizing opportunities and without sacrificing athletic development in any way.”

Lamb will commence his new role as chairman and president effective immediately. He will be based in Calgary, where he currently resides with his wife Kara and their three children, Lucy, Maggie and Molly.

A full interview with CJHL chairman and president Kirk Lamb is now available on the CJHL website at www.cjhlhockey.com.

The Canadian Junior Hockey League is the national body of all 10 Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada and a proud member of Hockey Canada. The CJHL consists of the British Columbia Hockey League, Alberta Junior Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Superior International Junior Hockey League, Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, Ontario Junior Hockey League, Central Canada Hockey League, Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec and the Maritime Hockey League.

For More Information:

• Kirk Lamb
• Chairman and President
• Canadian Junior Hockey League
• 403-650-9027
• [email protected]
• Charla Flett
• Communications
• Canadian Junior Hockey League
• 403-999-5734
• [email protected]