“Scott Howson’s AHL Contract Extension Signals Strong Leadership and Growth for Hockey League”

The American Hockey League has extended the contract of its president and general manager, Scott Howson, for several seasons.

Howson, le 10^e president of the history of the AHL, has been in office since 2020, he who was unanimously elected at the time. The 62-year-old also served as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers from 1994 to 2007 and the Columbus Blues Jackets from 2007 to 2013.

“The last three years have brought their own set of challenges, but I believe the AHL is stronger today, due to teamwork, cooperation and the teams’ shared desire to make the league the best it can be.” ‘She can be,’ Howson said. I would like to thank the Governors and Executive Committee for the opportunity to continue to lead the AHL into more successful years. »

Rumors swirled a little over a month ago that several teams were calling for Howson’s departure, but everything suggests that the league has gone in a different direction than that group wanted.

“Sources say four or five teams are trying to replace Howson. This approach is curious, because it is not supported by all AHL teams and what is also interesting here is that the NHL has been largely sidelined until very recently. Darren Dreger from TSN.

Since joining the AHL, the league has added 32^e team in Coachella Valley, the Firebirds, school club of the Seattle Kraken. He also spearheaded the expansion of the Calder Cup playoffs to 23 teams, an initiative to improve player development by adding high-profile games.

The AHL’s regular schedule has also grown to 72 games for all teams, and league revenue has been on the rise since he took over the league. Howson has also worked to make the AHL more representative and diverse, including the addition of 10 female referees and linesmen, a first in the AHL.