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Plymouth Whalers announce organizational changes

MiHockey Staff

By Michael Caples –

PLYMOUTH – The Plymouth Whalers held a press conference at Compuware Arena today to announce changes within their organization.

The changes are as follows:

  • Mark Craig has been hired as the new GM of the Whalers.
  • Don Elland has been promoted to head coach of the Whalers.
  • Joe Stefan has been promoted to assistant GM of the Whalers.
  • Despite his new job with the Carolina Hurricanes, Mike Vellucci will remain as governor of the Whalers.
  • Dennis Moore has been promoted to president and chief financial officer of the Plymouth Whalers and Compuware Arena.
  • Mike Henry has been promoted to vice president and general manager of Compuware Arena.

“Compuware Arena has become a first-class venue for many events in addition to hockey,” owner Peter Karmanos said in a statement. “Dennis and Mike have been an integral part of the arena’s growth from beginning. They will continue to do an excellent job in their new positions.”

Vellucci praised the new management staff, as well.

“I have a great deal of respect for Mark,” the former president/GM/coach said.  “He has been a mentor and a friend of mine for a long time.  Mark will do a great job.  Don Elland has paid his dues as an assistant and has a great hockey mind.  I know the players respect him.

“Between Mark, Don and Joe, I know the Whalers are being left in good hands and will continue our winning tradition of making the playoffs.”

Craig comes to the Whalers after being one of Karmanos’ first employees when he entered the OHL. The Whalers’ GM was hired by Karmanos when he bought the Windsor Spitfires in 1984.

Elland has been an assistant coach for the Whalers since 2010, and coaches with the Compuware AAA youth program.