Kirk Lamb, a lawyer and a former junior, college and pro 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 league.
Lamb’s appointment 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,” said 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.”
Lamb brings to his role an extensive hockey and professional background. For the past five years he has practised 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.
“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,” said B.C. Hockey League Commissioner John Grisdale.
One of Lamb’s primary responsibilities will be leveraging the CJHL’s 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 the continued development of elite-level players.
“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,” he said. “A strong and vibrant CJHL will help ensure that these funds continue to be generated and invested in our brightest prospects.”
