Former Cubs general manager Dave Kowalchuk speaking at the team's AGM on August 6, 2020 (Photo courtesy of Scott Roblin)

By Scott Roblin

GM Search

Cubs board votes to relieve GM Kowalchuk of his duties

Aug 20, 2020 | 10:45 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Sweeping changes to the Medicine Hat Cubs organization continued on Thursday, as the club parted ways with general manager Dave Kowalchuk.

According to Cubs president Troy Sandau, the board of directors met and decided to relieve Kowalchuk of his duties on Thursday morning.

“This wasn’t an easy decision but it was something that had to be made,” said Sandau.

Kowalchuk has been a staple of the Cubs executive team going back to the mid-2000s, serving as head coach, director of scouting, and even president before taking over as general manager two years ago.

The decision behind Kowalchuk’s release from the organization came down to dollars and cents according to Sandau, as the club is now looking at combining the now-vacant positions of head coach and GM into one.

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“Financially we had to make some cuts and some hard decisions, and unfortunately this was one of them,” said Sandau. “We decided to go with a coach and GM role to save a little bit of money. The sponsorships that are out there, they are limited this year due to COVID. So, we’re just making some adjustments so there can be a season.”

Since Kowalchuk took over as general manager, the Cubs saw their record improve from 12-22-2 in 2017-18 to a third-place finish in the HJHL’s Southern Division last year with a mark of 25-11-2.

Kowalchuk was also part of a movement to bring the Cubs back to financial relevancy in Medicine Hat, hosting the HJHL All-Star & Top Prospects Game in January and were weeks away from hosting Alberta Junior ‘B’ Provincials before the pandemic hit.

“He’s brought the club a long way,” said Sandau. “He’s established the name of the Cubs not only in the league, but throughout the community. It’s changed from where it was to where Dave took it. We wish him nothing but the best in the future, if that’s in hockey or what it may be.”

Sandau and the Cubs board are now in the process of selecting who will replace Kowalchuk and co-head coaches J.D. Gaetan and Steve Leipert, who were both let go following the 2019-20 season.

With just over two months left before the Cubs return to the HJHL, the board will be looking to bring on someone with experience in both coaching and managerial positions.

“We’re going to look at somebody that’s got experience already in that role,” said Sandau. “We do have some very good candidates for the positions that are open. We want to bring in a guy that’s had that experience and can step in that role.”

As for team recruiting with no current coaches or managers, Sandau admitted that there may be some growing pains in the coming weeks before a new face is brought on board.

A rookie camp has been tentatively scheduled to begin on September 12 for the Cubs, while their season opener is set for October 28.

CHAT Sports has reached out to Kowalchuk for comment on the club’s decision.

More to come…