January 21, 2004
Owen Sound GM Mike Futa
Named Director of Operations Ontario Under 17 Team
Toronto - The Ontario Under 17 Program Policy Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Futa as Director of Operations for Ontario's Under 17 Team for the next two seasons.
"There were many outstanding candidates from which to choose from," noted Wayne Dillon, HDCO Executive Director. "However, the committee is very pleased with their selection and is confident that the appointment of Mr. Futa will provide an excellent foundation of leadership and excellence for Team Ontario to build upon over the next two seasons."
"It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I accept the role of Director of Operations of Team Ontario. Having had the pleasure of representing the Program of Excellence in both the Assistant and Head Coaching capacity, I welcome the challenge that lies ahead, maintaining the "Golden" momentum established by my predecessor Alan Millar and his staff " stated Futa.
Futa is currently the General Manager of the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League. As Director of Operations, he will assist the Under 17 Policy Committee in selecting a coaching staff while co-ordinating all scouting assignments, training camps and competitive events that the team will be involved with during 2004/2005 and 2005/2006.
Team Ontario will be participating in the Under 17 World Hockey Challenge being held in Lethbridge Alberta from December 29, 2004 until January 4, 2005.
The Ontario Under 17 Program is a component of Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence and is coordinated through the Hockey Development Centre for Ontario on behalf of their 3 Ontario Branches. The program receives financial support from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation . In total, more than 1000 players will participate at regional Under 17 identification camps throughout Ontario this spring.
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For more information, please contact:
Wayne Dillon, Executive Director
Hockey Development Centre for Ontario
Phone: (416) 426-7252 or 1-888-843-4326
E-mail: hockey@hdco.on.ca
