Todd Harkins is the new head scout and director of player personnel for the Prince George Cougars.
Harkins, a former NHL player, coached the Vancouver Northwest Giants to consecutive B.C. Major Midget League championships in 2011 and 2012. He served as the Cougars Vancouver-area scout last season, in addition to filling in as an assistant coach for several games.
His son, Jansen, was the Cougars' top pick in the Western Hockey League bantam draft in 2012 (second overall) and is expected to earn a starting position with the 2013-14 team.
"I'm familiar with scouting players and not only looking at their talent, but looking at their character and dealing with families and making sure that people are making the right decisions," said Harkins.
"I will do this job with integrity and
honesty."
The role of director of player personnel was held by Wade Klippenstein, who served in the Cougars organization for six years before tendering his resignation to general manager Dallas Thompson in April.
Harkins has also led the North Shore
Winter Club to three provincial peewee titles.
Thompson also announced on Friday that
Cougars western-area scout Ron Gunville and Pacific-area scout Bob Simmonds will have expanded roles as scouting directors in their territories.
