Kirk Lamb, a lawyer and a former junior, college and professional hockey player, has been appointed as the first full-time Chairman and President of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL).
Lamb has served as the CJHL’s volunteer Chairman since January 2011 and during that time has substantially elevated the profile of the Canadian Junior Hockey League.
The creation of a full-time position and selection of Kirk Lamb is a critical step towards strengthening the hockey and business operations of the CJHL and growing the Junior A game. “Our Junior A leagues are working together like never before,” stated new CJHL Chairman and President Kirk Lamb, “their renewed commitment to national cooperation and organization presents a number of unique hockey and business opportunities that can grow the game for our players, teams and fans. I am honoured to be asked to lead this proud organization and I want to thank the CJHL Board of Governors and member leagues for allowing me to contribute to the proud tradition of Junior A hockey.”
Kirk Lamb comes to the CJHL with an extensive hockey and professional background. For the past five years he has practiced law with the Calgary firm of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP. He is an alumnus of the CJHL, CHL, NCAA, and ECHL, and is a graduate of Princeton University of the Ivy League.
“Kirk has a high degree of integrity, is committed to develop and make every CJHL league better, is confident yet humble and can remain calm under pressure, under fire, under the gun,” stated BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale. “He can produce results. He is a winner.”
“The CJHL has evolved over the last couple of years to a point where there is an immediate need for a full-time Chairman and President to lead the 10 leagues going forward,” said Ontario Junior Hockey League Commissioner Marty Savoy.
One of Lamb’s primary responsibilities will be leveraging the CJHL’s unique strengths to exploit new and expanding opportunities in the hockey and business environment.
Taking advantage of these opportunities is critical to the growth of Junior A hockey and, ultimately, the continued development of elite-level players and quality individuals. “Each year Junior A hockey leagues and teams generate tens of millions of dollars that is invested in developing elite players, many who go on to college, major junior and professional careers.”
The Canadian Junior Hockey League is dedicated to providing players with an unparalleled mix of development, exposure and opportunity. Kirk Lamb strongly believes that athletes and their families benefit tremendously from playing in the CJHL”
They can do this without jeopardizing opportunities and without sacrificing athletic development in any way.” Kirk Lamb will commence his new role as Chairman and President effective immediately.
Kirk will be based in Calgary, Alberta where he currently resides with his wife Kara and their three children, Lucy, Maggie and Molly.
A full interview with CJHL Chairman and President Kirk Lamb is now available on the CJHL website www.cjhlhockey.com.
