The American Hockey League’s Board of Governors has extended President and CEO Scott Howson to a multi-year contract that will allow him to retain his position in the league.
Howson was elected president and CEO of the American Hockey League in February 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began to pose a growing security concern for the league. He led the AHL for a few tumultuous years and was rewarded for his work.
“The past three years have presented many challenges, but I believe the AHL is stronger today thanks to teamwork, cooperation and a common desire among our clubs to make our league the best it can be,” Howson said. “I want to thank the Board of Governors and the Executive Committee for giving me the opportunity to continue to lead the AHL into more successful years to come. »
Howson knows what it’s like to be a player rising through the ranks of professional hockey. The Toronto, Ont., native played 18 NHL games with the New York Islanders in the mid-1980s. He was a highly successful junior player for the Kingston Canadiens of the OHL and played three seasons for the Indianapolis Checkers of the CHL and a season for the Springfield Indians of the AHL. He also played one season for the Toledo Goaldiggers of the IHL.
After retiring from his playing career, Howson earned a bachelor’s degree from York University, practicing law until he entered the hockey world professionally. He worked for the Edmonton Oilers as general manager of their AHL affiliate, the Cape Breton Oilers, before being named general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2007. He held that position for six years.
From 2013 to 2020, Howson worked for the Oilers first as a professional scout and then as vice president of player personnel when Peter Chiarelli was hired as general manager in 2015.
