Former University of Victoria Vikes basketball star Chris Hebb is the new commissioner of the sa国际传媒 Hockey League. Hebb completed his five-season hoops career at UVic by leading the Vikes to their first of seven consecutive national championships in 1979-80. He graduated from UVic with a degree in linguistics.
Hebb is also the former senior executive with two of the biggest sports and entertainment companies in sa国际传媒 鈥� Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment in Vancouver and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in Toronto.
鈥淭he BCHL has a tremendous reputation in hockey development,鈥� said Hebb, a native of Prince Rupert.
鈥淚鈥檓 pleased to continue the good work that鈥檚 been done, to give young men a platform to grow as hockey players and a path to a great career. But, I also look forward to helping our 17 teams raise their profile, increase league revenues and solidify our position as the best Junior A hockey league in North America.鈥�
From 2006 to 2013, Hebb was senior vice-president of content and communications for MLSE. Hebb oversaw all broadcast and digital properties for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC of Major League Soccer and the American Hockey League鈥檚 Toronto Marlies. He was also responsible for running their three TV networks (NBATV sa国际传媒, GOLTV sa国际传媒 and Leafs TV).
Before joining MLSE, Hebb spent 11 years with OBSE, owners of the Vancouver Canucks, the Vancouver Grizzlies and General Motors Place. Hebb served as vice-president of broadcast and led the organization into the digital age.
He began his professional career as a sports anchor and television producer with CKVU (now City TV) and BCTV (now Global BC).
Testimonials have come in.
鈥淗aving known Chris for nearly 25 years, I am happy to see him take on this position and look forward to seeing the league grow under his stewardship,鈥� said Stanley Cup champion Rod Brind鈥橝mour of Campbell River, head coach of the NHL鈥檚 Carolina Hurricanes and a BCHL parent.
The BCHL office of commissioner had been held by John Grisdale from 2003 to 2018, the longest tenure in league history.
