The Westside Warriors are pleased to announce the addition of two locals to their off-ice team.
Media veteran and Westside resident John Harding has joined the club as broadcaster and media/community relations coordinator and Chris Rampone is aboard for game night operations and sales.
Harding worked for more than 20 years in media throughout the country, including broadcast experience in junior hockey. He was the managing editor of three Canadian daily newspapers after starting his career in the late 1980s as a sports reporter.
“With Kevin Parnell moving on to the Rockets it was important for us to find one person that could be our voice on the broadcast, with the media, with our fans through the web, handle our video work and get the team out in the community,” said Warriors General Manager and President Gary Gelinas.
“Having someone with the experience, passion and commitment to West Kelowna like John Harding is going to help us accomplish our three goals: fan friendly organization, get the West Kelowna community to identify with the team and finally help fill our building each night. John has been a huge fan of the team since day one and his professionalism and understanding of the game is going to help us in getting our message out. I am very excited about John joining the Warriors family and look forward to what he brings to our fans.”
Harding will provide the play-by-play of all Warriors games (home and away), help the media with their coverage of the team and co-ordinate events in the community involving the players and coaching staff.
“This opportunity allows me to be deeply involved with two of my favourite things – junior hockey and the Westside community,” said Harding. “Gary and the entire Warriors organization have operated in a truly professional and community-minded manner in the three-plus years they’ve been here and I strive to continue and grow that tradition.”
Harding, 43, and his wife Philippa have three children and live on the Westside.
Gelinas was equally excited about the addition of Rampone.
“Chris is a former player for the Langley Hornets and born and raised in Kelowna, said Gelinas. “He played college hockey at St. Norbets and has a passion for the game, understands the market, has many contacts and a desire to see the Warriors be successful. He is a great addition to our staff,”
Warriors audio broadcasts are available free of charge while live video broadcasts are also available for purchase through bchl.ca.
The Warriors and new coach Darren Yopyk won two of three games on their season-opening northern B.C. road trip and the home opener against the Penticton Vees is Friday at 7 p.m. at Royal LePage Place.
