WINNIPEG- Hockey Manitoba is pleased to introduce Kayla Duna as the organization’s new Development Coordinator. The staff position became vacant in late October as Rob Smith left the office to further pursue his coaching career by taking a job as Assistant Coach with the Steinbach Pistons (MJHL). Duna is welcomed to the staff at a key time for planning and organizing Hockey Manitoba development programs taking place this spring. She is a recent graduate of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management at the University of Manitoba. Kayla was also a member of the Bisons (Women’s) hockey team beginning in 2007-08 as a redshirt, then actively playing from the 2008-09 season finishing in 2011-12. Responsibilities of the Development Coordinator primarily focus on the day-to-day management of coach certification clinics and the U-18 (Female) Program of Excellence, as well as a range of player development programming such as various skills camps, Just Play events, and Branch development programs.

Hockey Manitoba’s office now returns to a full-time staff of seven (7) along with a seasonal part-time staff member from September to January. With the growing frequency of events, player & coach development programs, membership services, and recruitment & retention programming Hockey Manitoba will consider the addition of staff in the coming years to best serve the membership contingent in excess of 30,000 people province wide.

Staff Summary:

· Executive Director; Peter Woods

· Director, Development; Bernie Reichardt

· Director, Business Operations; Scott Furman

· Manager, Development & Communications; Kyle Prystupa

· Manager, Membership Services; Esther Thiessen

· Development Coordinator; Kayla Duna

· Executive Assistant; Ashley Fergusson

Hockey Manitoba thanks its Official Partners for their contribution to the development of amateur hockey; Awards & More, Canad Inns, Cargill Ltd., Reebok-CCM Hockey. Hockey Manitoba also thankfully recognizes the contributions of its Sport Partners; Hockey Canada, Sport Manitoba, Western Hockey League, MTS Iceplex, Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club and Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation. Visit www.hockeymanitoba.ca for current news, information & events or connect with Hockey Manitoba on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.