The Giants will leave Vancouver for Langley now having hired the second general manager in franchse history.
The 25-year-old WHL club named Glen Hanlon as GM on Thursday morning at the White Spot on Georgia Street, where the Giants organization often hosted the press for announcemetns and continental breakfast.
Giants owner Ron Toigo emphasized Hanlon's history with Vancouver and experience as a coach and player.
"Glen has a vast network in the hockey industry, and his experience will be a huge benefit to the Giants," said Toigo. "He’s someone who we all know and have worked with in the past, and we’re very excited to work together going forward."
Scott Bonner resigned as the Giants general manager last December.
Hanlon was the head coach of the Washington Capitals from 2003 to 2007 and was an assistant coach for the Canucks (also the NHL team that drafted him) from 1995 to 1999 and the Giants under Don Hay from from 2011 to 2013.
"It feels good to be back with the Giants and involved with the Vancouver hockey community," said Hanlon. "I look forward to positive organizational changes and I'm embracing the challenges that we face to position ourselves with the top teams."
A goaltender, Hanlon spent three seasons with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings until 1977, when he was named goalie of the year for winning 49 of 65 games, which still stands as a WHL record. The Vancouver Canucks picked him in the third round of the 1977 NHL Amateur Draft, and Hanlon played in 477 NHL games with Vancouver, St. Louis, New York and Detroit.
The Giants announced this would be their last season at Pacific Coliseum before they relocate to the smaller Langley Events Centre for the 2016-17 season.
