Chris Laurie

The West Kelowna Warriors have named Chris Laurie their new President. Laurie will take over immediately and will oversee all elements of the hockey club and business operation. Chris was raised in West Kelowna and was the initial Marketing Director for the Warriors during their first 2 seasons from 2006 to 2008 under founding ownership Vision Sports Group. Chris went on to work in the AHL, followed by a 3-year stint as General Manager of the Amarillo Bulls of the North American Hockey League, which included a League Championship in his final year. In 2013, Chris moved back to the Central Okanagan to be closer to family and pursue other business interests.

Chris Laurie commented, “I’m very excited to re-join my hometown franchise. I have many fond memories of my time with the Warriors and all the wonderful supporters I met along the way. I’ve always had an affinity for this organization and I look forward to helping turn it around. It is a privilege to work in hockey and I thank new team owners Mr. Murphy and Mr. Hume for entrusting me with this opportunity. This has become a storied franchise that has seen several peaks and valleys over its 13-year tenure and we need to do our part in providing a stable, competitive, entertaining product that will make our community proud. We will be active members of our community and will work in partnership with local organizations, starting in our own back yard with West Kelowna Minor Hockey. Our ownership is committed long term and we will invest the necessary efforts and resources to become a flagship BCHL franchise.”

Principal owner, John Murphy stated, “Rod Hume and I feel very fortunate to bring Chris on as President.  He is not only a proven executive with experience in all elements of the hockey business, but a true professional in every sense of the word.  It is our commitment to the players, our employees, and the fans, that we intend to raise the professionalism of this organization.  Hiring Chris is an important step in that direction.” 

Owner and Managing Partner, Rod Hume commented, “I have known Chris for several years and we have attended many Warriors games together.  His passion for the game of hockey and for making game night a fun experience for all is palpable, and being from West Kelowna, he cares deeply about this community.  We welcome Chris to the team and look forward to building a winning culture.”  

The first two home games under the new ownership regime are Friday Nov 22nd and Saturday Nov 23rd. Chris is promising immediate upgrades to the game night presentation.