A name synonymous with Bisons hockey is back at the helm.
The Okotoks Bisons president’s role will once again be served by a McFarlane with long-time player, coach and executive Jay McFarlane taking on the title after 20 years with the organization.
“It does feel like it’s a bit of a legacy following in the footsteps of my father who did serve both as GM and president in his time,” said McFarlane. “With the assistance of Mike Parsons as past president and having watched Jay Pritchard and my father all in the position as president, I feel that I am prepared to lead this organization.”
Bill McFarlane, Jay’s father, served as club president for 11 years while also holding the general manager position for two seasons.
Jay — along with his brother Trevor — played for the squad before moving on to coaching positions and taking on the general manager role from 2006-16.
Including his playing days, McFarlane has spent 20 years with the hometown team.
The McFarlanes are one of four father-and-son sets on the Bisons Wall of Fame and the only duo to have held the general manager and president titles.
Parsons, the longest serving executive member in the history of the franchise, stepped down as president in the off-season after 28 years of service to the club.
Long-time contributors Karen Arnholtz, Judy Devries, Sherri Viccars and Kass Patterson also moved on from positions on the board.
Thor Bahl, Janet Horner, Ryan Rarick and former head coach Mike Hannigan have been added to the board, the latter taking on the vice-president role.
“The key to a successful organization is to surround yourself with successful people. That’s what I have done. Evolution of the board is inevitable but not necessarily a negative,” McFarlane added. “I cannot thank the previous board members enough for the countless volunteer hours they each put into this club. With new people brings new ideas and new energy.”
By its lofty standards the Bisons are in the midst of a drought.
Following four straight championships the team has not advanced to the league final in three straight seasons.
Competition from B.C.’s Kootenay International Junior Hockey League have taken a bite out of potential players on the squad in recent years in what is a rapidly changing junior hockey landscape.
Okotoks is also in the midst of securing a replacement for Hannigan behind the bench.
“This organization will continue to be a first class opportunity for players, fans and for sponsors to see and to be a part of a competitive hockey team that hosts local talent,” McFarlane said.
There is a vacancy in the director of marketing position.
Those interested in pursuing opportunities on the board can contact [email protected]
For more information go to okotoksbisons.com
