The Sugar Kings’ front office will see fresh faces for next season, as general manager Paul Jennings recently resigned and director of hockey operations Keith Stewart said he’ll be leaving the organization once this season’s done.
Stewart’s been with the Elmira team for a decade, previously serving as GM before moving to his current position.
“I live in Cambridge and I’ve been doing it for 10 years,” Stewart said. “I’m probably going to move on, work closer to home, take some time off. I haven’t decided yet.”
They listed an opening for a GM/director of hockey operations and an assistant general manager on their website this week.
“We both do the same thing, so they may just hire a general manager and assistant general manager or maybe a director of hockey operations and a GM. They haven’t decided,” Stewart said.
Stewart said the decision to make this his last season with the Kings was partly due to the commute.
“Driving back and forth three, four, sometimes five times a week has kind of taken its toll. I’ve done my time,” Stewart says with a laugh.
He said they’re looking for someone who’s willing to put in the time and work hard. He adds it’s a great organization to work for.
“It’s a 12-month-a-year job,” Stewart said. “It’s not just hockey season. There’s recruiting to do, and billets, a lot of different things, working with the board of directors for advertising and sponsorship. It’s a big job, takes a lot of time.”
Stewart will remain with the team until the end of the year even if they find his replacement before then. If they hire someone before the season ends, Stewart will bring him or her onboard to learn the ropes from him.
“If not, once the season ends I’ll be gone and it’ll be up to the board of directors and president Dave O’Donoghue,” Stewart said. “It’s only been on the website a couple days and we’ve already got multiple applicants, so it looks like it could be filled sooner rather than later.”
Jennings worked for the Kings for four years and resigned for personal reasons.
Head coach Jeff Flanagan said they’re not necessarily looking for someone who’s a veteran hockey player. He says there are lots of good applicants out there and they want to hear from them.
“We’re looking for someone who’s a good recruiter, can spot talent, has lots of contacts in the hockey world,” Flanagan said. “Also someone who fits how community oriented we are. It’s a big job and a heck of a lot of work. We definitely want someone who feels the same as we do about the importance of community in Elmira.”