OLDS — The Olds Grizzlys have hired a manager of business operations.
He is Kevin Watson, a radio sales specialist who has been associated with the team for more than 30 years.
In addition to day-to-day business operations, his duties with the team will include sales and sponsorships.
Watson was a play-by-play announcer back in team’s glory years in the early ‘90s when they won three straight Alberta Junior League hockey championships.
“With over 30 years in the media industry in central Alberta, Kevin brings a wealth of business knowledge and relationships that he has gained over the years,” a Grizzlys news release on the hiring says.
Friends of the Grizzlys president Josh Erdman noted Watson has been around the team officially and unofficially for more than 30 years and nominated them for two Hall of Fame inductions.
Since the early ‘90s, Watson has also volunteered in various capacities for the Grizzlys.
“We are very excited to have Kevin on a full-time basis to help propel this organization back into the former glory that our fans and central Alberta deserves,” Erdman said.
Watson, who now does sales for a couple of radio stations, says it all kind of started for him in Olds.
“I moved to Red Deer to work in radio the spring of 1990. And the following hockey season, it was part of my job to cover the Grizzlys every home game and then travel with the team on the road as well in the playoffs,” he said in the news release.
“That of course, all started a great run with the team that lasted for five years, and I made lifelong friends with many of the players. So, to get the opportunity to join the team after all these years, things have come full circle.
“I’m excited to get out in the community and meet the sponsors and supporters and grow the business side of the team.”
