BURNABY, BC, Dec. 18 /CNW/ - Canlan Ice Sports Corp., providers of the on-ice experience to youths and adults across North America, today announced the appointment of Grant Ballantyne as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors effective January 1, 2009, following his retirement as President and CEO. Mr. Ballantyne will succeed Frank Barker, a director of the Company since 1986.
"Through his guiding hand and numerous contributions over the past 20 years, Frank Barker has helped Canlan to emerge as the most successful owner and operator of ice facilities across North America," said Mr. Grant Ballantyne, President and CEO, Canlan Ice Sports. "I look forward to succeeding Frank and continuing my involvement with Canlan, particularly in light of our recent progress and our plans to drive increased utilization of our facilities, grow our adult and youth hockey programs, and strategically expand our operations into select U.S. markets."
Mr. Ballantyne has more than 30 years of senior management experience in finance and operations. He has served as President of Canlan since December 1998. As announced previously, Mr. Ballantyne will retire as the Company's President and CEO on January 1, 2009, and will be succeeded by Joey St-Aubin, currently Canlan's Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
About Canlan
Canlan Ice Sports Corp. is the largest private sector operator of recreational ice facilities in North America with 65 playing surfaces at 22 facilities in Canada and the United States. Through the ASHL, Canlan operates the largest adult recreational hockey league in North America with more than 55,000 players and offers a variety of other programs including youth leagues, hockey and figure skating schools and tournaments.
Canlan Ice Sports Corp. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ICE."
Caution concerning forward-looking statements
This document contains forward-looking statements, which may be identified by words like "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "intends", "indicates" or similar expressions. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors set forth in reports and other documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time.