On Tuesday, May 9, the American Hockey League’s Board of Governors announced that Scott Howson had agreed to terms on a multi-year contract extension that will see him continue to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Hockey League.
There was conjecture online and via mainstream media, that Howson was not a certainty to stay on once his original three-year deal had expired this summer.
Darren Dreger reported that some teams were unhappy with aspects of Howson’s tenure.
That was followed by a deal of drama as Chicago Wolves made an intent to become an independent team clear in an email sent to agents. The Wolves’ affiliation agreement with Carolina ends after this 2022-23 season.
By all accounts, Howson and the NHL have been firefighting since this news broke.
Then there is the extended 23-team play-off format which has divided opinion, far and wide.
The NHL prefers solidity and Scott Howson is a man the league knows well having previously spent 26 years in the league wearing various hats.
Their support was likely a key factor in the Board of Governors’ decision to keep the status quo.
From the official press release:
“The Board of Governors is pleased to come to an agreement that Scott Howson will continue as President and CEO of the American Hockey League,” said Tera Black, chief operating officer of the Charlotte Checkers and chair of the AHL’s Executive Committee. “We look forward to working together to ensure continued growth and success under his leadership.”
In many ways, Howson was in for a hiding to nothing after taking over the reins from Dave Andrews, who oversaw the league for an extended period and faced up to the stiffest of challenges through his tenure.
Howson has had to navigate through two seasons that required management of protocols and logistics to ensure the league could operate safely and effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There have been some notable improvements including the addition of a 32nd franchise, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, a unified 72-game schedule in the regular season and reached record levels of ticket and corporate sales revenues in 2022-23.
Howson has also actively advocated for diversity and inclusion throughout the league.
The addition in 2021 of 10 women to the AHL’s roster of referees and linespeople for the very first time is certainly an achievement to be proud of.
There are challenges ahead for the league and Scott Howson.
No less than the aforementioned Chicago Wolves situation.
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Great news for the American Hockey League and Scott Howson! His continued leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion are certainly commendable. Looking forward to seeing the league navigate through the challenges ahead.
Ely