The Ripley Wolves are pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Howes as their new General Manager.
Howes, who will continue to play defence for last year’s Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) finalists, assumes the role from Corey McCrae and Dustin Catto, who retired this off-season.
“In his two seasons with the Wolves, Mike has quickly become a leader in the dressing room and the community,” said Kevin Taylor, President of the Ripley Wolves Executive Committee. “He’s always the first to step up for his teammates on the ice and for the organization when there’s community work to be done, including coaching both the fall and winter cohorts of the Junior Wolves Development Camps and spearheading the puck shooting contest at the Ripley Fall Fair.
“When presented with the chance to become our team’s GM, we weren’t surprised when he leapt at the opportunity.”
Howes and his wife Christina are relatively new residents of Huron-Kinloss, but they have quickly embraced the community and the Wolves organization. Howes said he’s excited for this next chapter.
“I am flattered and humbled to take on this role with a team and a town that I have so much respect for,” said Howes, who is entering this third season on the Wolves blueline. “I care deeply about the Wolves and can’t wait to help shape the present and the future of the organization.”
Taylor thanked McCrae and Catto for their many years of service to the Wolves.
“Though we never quite got our hands on the trophy, Corey and Dustin led us to three finals over the past six years, an incredible level of success for an organization and community as small as ours,” Taylor said, adding the pandemic also disrupted opportunities for long playoff runs in 2020 and ’21. “Their dedication and hard work leaves a legacy of exciting Senior hockey for the fans of the Wolves, while fostering a sense of community for the players inside the dressing room.”
The Wolves get their OEHL season started on Saturday, Oct. 11, when they welcome the Georgian Bay Applekings to the Ripley Arena.