The Melville Millionaires continue to make changes as the organization moves forward with new General Manager / Head Coach Mike Rooney. The Millionaires announced 7 new members to their scouting department. “Having people with the ability to identify and recruit players, who will fit the new Melville Millionaire criteria is a very important step for the organization” stated Rooney. “We will continue to expand our scouting staff outside of Saskatchewan, but as an SJHL team we require strong representation in our province. We want Saskatchewan players. We want our organization and the City of Melville to be a destination for high character dedicated players”.
Rooney and Assistant GM / Assistant Coach Jarett Waldbauer will work together with the Scouting Department to redesign a team that has struggled in recent years. “The purpose of our Hockey Department is not only to find and place players on our protected list, but we must help them develop. We will work hard to assist our roster and prospect players to maintain their own “Development Plan”. “Our goal is to help players reach their goals – NCAA, WHL, USHL or USport. It doesn’t matter which way players want to go – we are there to help them. Advancing players will grow our program in Melville”.
The Millionaires will continue to add members to their hockey department, which will include a trainer, assistant coach and inter provincial scouts.
Mark Penny – Director of Scouting
Mark brings a wealth of experience as he enters his 30th year of scouting. Mark also works with the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL and will work closely with GM Mike Rooney with the annual SJHL Draft and the “day to day” scouting operations. Mark is highly respected by his peers and has previously scouted with the Regina Pats, Moose Jaw Warriors and Weyburn Redwings.
Ron Bechard – Assistant Director of Scouting
Ron is very familiar with the SJHL as he is a former player with the Weyburn Red Wings and Humboldt Broncos. Ron also played 4 seasons of NCAA hockey. Ron brings a wide array of experience as he coached all levels of minor hockey, including Minnesota High School. Ron is a Regional Scout with the Tri City Americans of the WHL and will continue to work in that role as he takes on his new position with the Millionaires. Ron will oversee the bantam and midget player evaluations in Southern Saskatchewan, while also using his vast contacts across North America.
Mark Campbell – Assistant Director of Scouting
Mark has been involved with coaching over the past two decades. The last 16 of those years he has dedicated his time to help shape Warman Minor Hockey into one of the finest associations in the province. His vast experience as a minor sports coach and administrator enables him to have an excellent connection to players and parents. Mark joined the Millionaires in 2019 in the scouting department and dedicates his time to building the Millionaires talent pool. Mark will oversee the bantam and midget player evaluations in Northern Saskatchewan.
Daven Smith – Provincial Scout (North)
Daven played two seasons with the Tisdale Trojans and two seasons with the Nipawin Hawks capturing the Canalta Cup in 2018. Daven enters his 2nd season as Assistant Coach with the Tisdale Trojans. As a player, Daven was highly respected for his passion and work ethic, which will also serve as key qualities on the Millionaire scouting team. Daven will assist the Scouting Directors in evaluating bantam and midget level players.
Jason Johnstone – Provincial Scout (South)
Jason is well connected throughout the province and specifically Southern Saskatchewan. Jason has been involved in all capacities of minor hockey and spent the past 3 seasons coaching the Weyburn Bantam AA Wings. The former Weyburn Red Wing player will join the coaching staff of the Estevan AAA Bears for the 2020 season. Jason will assist the Scouting Directors in evaluating bantam and midget level players.
Jarrod Williams – Advanced Scout / Analytics Coordinator
Jarrod has been involved with the Fort Knox Junior Hockey Club for the 6 seasons, where he has been the General Manager the past four seasons. His time with Fort Knox has also seen him take to the bench as Assistant Coach. Jarrod has been responsible for all scouting / recruiting with Fort Knox and has proven ability to assemble strong teams. Prior to the past four seasons as GM, Jarrod spent two seasons as Assistant Coach/Assistant GM. Jarrod will work with team management as an Advanced Scout as he focusses on maintaining depth charts and overseeing / preparing Analytic Data for the Millionaires Roster players.
Jason L’Heureux – Special Assignment Scout
A former SJHL and Alberta Collegiate player has seen Jason involved in all aspects of minor hockey for the better part of 2 decades. Known to have a keen eye for talent with excellent communication skills, Jason joins the Millionaires after scouting experience with the Drayton Valley Thunder of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Located near the Alberta border will enable him to consistently evaluate Junior and Midget hockey in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
George Pyne – Player Development Coordinator
George has a strong history of developing players at all levels of Minor Hockey coaching teams and conducting player development programs in the winter and summer months. His efforts and results were recognized by his peers when he received the SHA Outstanding Coach Award in 2017-18. Prior to his extensive minor hockey experience, George coached at the Jr. B level and assisted with the Lebret Eagles Junior A program. George will be responsible for coordinating / implementing the Player Development Plans for Millionaire Bantam Draft picks. George will also assist in the development of all listed prospects.
