By Kelly Martin – Director of Sales & Marketing/ Wellington Dukes Jr A Hockey Club
The Wellington Dukes Junior A hockey Club would like to announce the final completion of the franchise acquisition by Ken Clement from Michael Mulvihill. This final transaction completes the final stage of the acquisition that started in 2017 when Ken Clement began funding the operation in its entirety and took control of the day to day operations. The Wellington Dukes organization and the community are tremendously thankful to Michael Mulvihill for his faithful devotion to the Dukes and the Wellington community and appreciate his stewardship of this elite CJHL franchise during his tenure. “Michael came to the Dukes when the team was in a very vulnerable situation. He was able to provide a lifeline to the organization by providing not only financial stability but bringing with him a strong business acumen combined with an astute and experienced hockey background that was backed by his passion for the game. ”Said Randy Uens, Chief Operations Officer for the Wellington Dukes.
Although Clement has been actively involved with the Dukes since 2017, this marks the closing of the final transaction which sees Ken Clement owning 100% of the team going forward. “I am passionate about hockey and I am committed to providing young athletes opportunities to develop not only as athletes but as students and citizens. We are all about developing great people on and off the ice. “Clement, a former junior and Senior A hockey player was part of the Powell River Senior A team that won multiple Allan Cups and was inducted into the British Columbia Hockey Hall of Fame. “The Dukes provides me with a way to give back to the sport that has given me so much.” Continued Clement.
Like Michael, Ken came to the rescue of the Dukes at a very vulnerable time. Ken has provided stability to the Wellington organization during a very tumultuous time for sports. “Said Uens.
“The pandemic has not been kind to sports organizations and Ken is here for all the right reasons. He is an owner only focused on winning. He has no other agendas, he just wants to win and develop athletes.”
The Dukes have been very successful since Clement came onto the scene. Year 1 advancing to the CJHL Centennial Cup final followed by a run to the Buckland Cup final the following year. In 2019 the Dukes were poised to make another run to the National Championship with a team that was considered a National contender only to be derailed by the pandemic. “We are hopeful to be back to hockey as usual in 2021-22 and providing the Wellington faithful with another contender. ”Said Derek Smith, Head coach. “Ken’s support of the team is unwavering and his commitment to excellence is contagious for all of the organization.
The Wellington Dukes will continue to operate with very high expectations for success every season. “We are dedicated to our fans while providing advertisers and sponsors with value added opportunities by utilizing events and an integrated media platform to provide unique marketing opportunities for our partners. “Said Uens.
The Dukes organization is planning to expand their engagement in the community to provide the community with the same support they receive. “The upcoming announcement of our “Season Ticket Drive” in support of the Prince Edward County Hospital build is an example of how we want the Dukes to be a strong community partner and to act as a positive catalyst for growth in our community. ”Said Uens.
The operation of the Wellington Dukes will fall into very capable hands. Clement will be Governor and Executive Chairman. Randy Uens will be Chief Operations Officer working closely with former NHL player Derek Smith, Director of Hockey operations and Head coach. General Manager and Director of Scouting is Rob Ridgely, supported by Assistant GM Don Cotton. Tyler Longo is the Associate Coach. Doug Robinson will continue to operate the Volunteer Committee. The Dukes are actively looking for new volunteers to join our loyal brigade of the Dukes Foundation and Volunteer Executive. Kelly Martin is the Director of Sales and Marketing with Don Boucher leading our Sales Department.
For further information about the Wellington Dukes Season Ticket campaign in support of the Prince Edward County Hospital please contact Kelly Martin, Don Boucher or Betty Masterson by emailing dukesseasontickets@gmail.com to book your seasons tickets or to find out about our special packages for corporate sponsors and fans alike.
The Wellington Dukes are a member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League which was formed in 1993. The Dukes play in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and are considered one of the Crown Jewels of Canadian Junior hockey.
For more information contact Kelly Martin BOQTotalsports@gmail.com or cell: 905-914-7454