February 14, 2020
“The American Hockey League’s Board of Governors has unanimously elected Scott Howson as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2020.

Howson will become the tenth President since the league’s formation in 1936 and will succeed the retiring David Andrews, who will continue as Chairman of the Board of Governors after his 26-year tenure as President and CEO concludes on June 30.”

This the news that those who cover and follow the American Hockey League have been waiting for since it was announced Dave Andrews was going to retire after 26 years in the role of President and CEO.

The legacy Dave Andrews leaves behind is one he can be very extremely proud of and should see his work recognised in the Builders Category of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

When Andrews took over in 1994, the AHL had 16 teams and was limited to the north-eastern US and Atlantic Canada
At that time the International Hockey League (IHL) was in coexistent and looking to ride roughshod over the AHL.

Under Andrews’ stewardship, the AHL has grown to 31 teams (soon to be 32) including the incorporation of six teams from the defunct IHL.

A closer working relationship with the NHL on our levels which ultimately led to a brand new Pacific Division (moving five affiliates in the process) and means the AHL now has a coast-to-coast presence as it ventures into otherwise unfamiliar hockey markets with all teams prospering.

Bringing back the All-Star festivities and the new and improved introduction of AHL TV are just two of many other positive aspects Andrews has brought in during his tenure.

It’s hard to believe now, but the American Hockey League was under serious threat for its very existence when Andrews took charge. Now it’s a flourishing prospering and growing league which is his ultimate legacy.

The AHL has unsurprisingly opted for experience when looking to replace Dave Andrews and Scott Howson certainly has that in abundance with “26 years as an executive with the National Hockey League’s Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets organizations, with wide-ranging responsibilities including hockey operations and administration, player development, salary cap compliance, contract negotiations, scouting and evaluation, and business operations” as per the official release.

The Toronto native isn’t shy of experience in the AHL having held the role as general manager of Edmonton’s affiliates in Cape Breton and later Hamilton. His clubs reached the Calder Cup Finals in 1997 and 2003, and as a member of the AHL Board of Governors, he served on the league’s competition committee from 1996-2002 and on its executive committee from 2003-07.

The 59-year-old played five seasons of pro hockey including 110 games in the AHL with the Springfield Indians. He skated on championship teams in both the International Hockey League and the Central Hockey League, winning as a rookie with the Toledo Goal Diggers (IHL) in 1981/82.

The biggest question mark surrounding any predecessor of Dave Andrews is what their intent will be.

Standing pat in today’s sporting market isn’t going to cut much mustard but will Scott Howson have the courage and vision to take the mantle left by Andrews and continue to strive to make the league better and stronger moving forward?

It certainly isn’t a role to be underestimated, and Howson will be closely watched to see what direction he attempts to take the AHL.