BROWN RECEIVES GOVERNORS AWARD

MONDAY, MARCH 23rd, 2009 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALGARY, AB - The Western Hockey League announced today that former General Manager of the Kamloops Blazers Bob Brown is the recipient of the 2008-09 WHL Governors Award.

The WHL Governors Award is presented annually to individuals who, though their outstanding service as a builder of the League and achievements in the game, have contributed to the growth and development of the WHL.

In 10 years as General Manager from 1986 to 1995, Bob Brown developed the Kamloops Blazers into one of the most successful franchises in Western Hockey League history. In just 10 WHL seasons, Brown led the Blazers to 7 WHL Division titles; 5 WHL Championships and 3 Memorial Cup Championships (1992, 1994 and 1995). During his tenure with Kamloops Brown was responsible for appointing some of the most successful Head Coaches in WHL history in Ken Hitchcock, Tom Renney and Don Hay. Brown also assembled a strong scouting staff that saw the Kamloops Blazers acquire players such as Jarome Iginla, Mark Recchi, Darryl Sydor, Rob Brown and Scott Niedermayer just to name a few.

A two time recipient of the WHL Executive of the Year Award in 1990-91 and 1993-94, Bob Brown built the Kamloops Blazers into a major junior hockey powerhouse in the 1990's and he is regarded by his peers as one of the most successful General Managers in Canadian Hockey League history. Bob Brown is currently in his seventh season as a scout with the Edmonton Oilers.

"Bob Brown will always be regarded as one of the most successful General Managers in WHL history," commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, "Bob was responsible for building a dynasty in the 1990's with the Kamloops Blazers and his record of 3 Memorial Cup Championships in four seasons may never be matched again in the WHL."

The WHL Governors Award, first awarded by the WHL in 2004-05, is the highest honour bestowed on an individual by the WHL Board of Governors.

Previous recipients were: Bill Hunter, Scotty Munro and Jim Piggott (2007-08); Bob Cornell (2006-07); Jack McLeod (2005-06); Pat Ginnell, Ernie McLean, Bill Hicke and Del Wilson (2004-05).

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