Cowan replaces Richards as Cyclones GM

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – In a move designed to help jump start efforts to maintain the team, the SPHL and the Twin City Cyclones announced this morning that assistant coach/assistant general manager Sean Cowan will assume the duties of General Manager, effective immediately. Cowan replaces Head Coach/General Manager Mark Richards in the head chair. In a release sent out by the team and the league, the move was referred to as a way to “reflect and strengthen the team’s commitment to Cyclone fans, the Winston-Salem business community and to demonstrate our firm belief that the Winston-Salem area is an important part of the SPHL”. A 1991 graduate of Elmira College, Cowan has been with the Cyclones

since last season as Richards’ assistant. He took on responsibilities as assistant general manager at that time. In his new role, Cowan will be responsible for all day-to-day business operations as well as player signings and related movements. “I am excited about this opportunity personally, but more importantly, I am extremely happy to be a part of the Cyclones’ renewed commitment to the Piedmont Triad area and our hockey fans,” Cowan said in the release. “The Cyclones staff, our players, team ownership and our SPHL partners are committed to a long-term relationship with the Winston-Salem community and I am thrilled to be part of that commitment.” Cowan brings a combination of business and hockey operational experience to his new position. He possesses a background that includes involvement in ownership and management in both the worlds of hockey and golf equipment retail sales as well as marketing. Cowan has playing experience in the UHL, CHL and the ECHL. He also has coaching experience behind the benches of the Elmira Jackals and Elmira College to compliment his time with the Cyclones. Following a move from Florence, South Carolina to Winston-Salem a year ago, the Cyclones have not fared as well in attendance as their fellow SPHL teams. The league felt it had cause for concern after four regular season home games this year drew a combined attendance of 2,963 fans. Monday night on the “This Week In The SPHL” internet radio show, SPHL Commissioner Jim Combs acknowledged that the league was taking a very active interest in the Winston-Salem franchise. “Look for a press release tomorrow. Look for new opportunities that we’re providing here in Winston-Salem. There’s been some staff changes and some movement. I’m going to be spending the rest of my week here in Twin City. I will be here next week in Twin City,” Combs said. “ We want to make sure that Twin City is off to the right start – it seems like they’ve had a bit of a hiccup. We’re going to make sure that this team is moving, the owners are committed, the coaches, the staff. You may possibly see – I’m just giving you a little hint – possibly there will be a new General Manager in Twin City. He’s committed. We got a lot of changes (done) today and we’re going to make some (more) changes to be more involved here in Twin City and make sure right now that this hockey team is here and that we’re here to stay and we want to make it successful.” Richards had been the team’s Head Coach/GM since the team was in South Carolina. No information was released on whether he will stay on as the coach. Stay with ProHockeyNews.com for updates on this breaking news. Contact the author at don.money@prohockeynews.com