The Canmore Eagles have hired Barry Sawchuk as the AJHL club’s new head scout and director of player personnel.
Sawchuk, 65, has nine years of junior scouting experience, having worked with the Okotoks Oilers, Kindersley Klippers and Lloydminster Bobcats. He takes over from Jason Rycroft, who’s held the team’s head scout position for 13 years. He earns a promotion to vice-president of hockey operations.
“Jason has three kids at home right now, has a full-time job, and just doesn’t have the spare time that it takes for this important role,” said Eagles head coach and general manager Andrew Milne. “I can’t thank Jason enough for his efforts over the past decade to recruit both good hockey players and quality kids to Canmore. Jason has been a tireless worker and has been very committed to us. I’m thrilled that he has agreed to remain within our organization.”
Milne said Rycroft suggested Sawchuk take over the role for the Eagles, which makes the transition easy.
“They obviously visited a lot of the same rinks over the years and became good friends in the process,” Milne said. “Barry has a lot of different contacts out there in the hockey world and he should also bring us plenty of new insights and different ideas. We look forward to having him join our team.”
Sawchuk’s first job will come during the club’s spring camp, which is expected to draw 100 players for the three-day event (April 10-12). Passionate about the game, he’s eager to take on the new challenge.
“I probably watch at least seven games of hockey each week,” said Sawchuk. “When my own kids finished playing hockey and I retired, I kind of went into hockey withdrawal. My wife told me to get out of the house, so I picked up a scouting position with Okotoks, and the rest is history.
“I have time on my hands and I love being at the rink, so this is a perfect job for me. I am excited to be joining the Canmore Eagles organization and having Jason’s blessing makes it all the better.”
When picking players, Sawchuk said skating, competitiveness and hockey smarts are three essential characteristics he looks for. He follows through with communication.
“I always seek out the parents first, before I even talk to the player,” he said. “ I want to let the parents know that we are interested in their son and make sure that they are aware of the process going forward. I always want to be up front and honest about everything – communication is the key.”
