The search for a new General Manager is now on for the Neepawa Natives.
The organization has announced that Myles Cathcart stepped down as the team's GM after a more than 25-year tenure at the helm.
"I would say it was a surprise," said Ken Waddell, Natives President. "There was a difference of opinion between the board and Myles. I can't say thank you enough for all he's done in the years. He'll be a loyal fan and supporter of the team going forward, I'm sure. He just couldn't see handling some of the things we as an organization wanted done, so he did the right thing and stepped aside."
"It was honourable of him to do so, and we'll go on from here," he added.
As far as recruiting and scouting goes, going forward, Ken says nothing changes and it's business as usual.
"Myles stepping down doesn't change any of the recruiting or scouting process," said Waddell. "We actually had our list updated as of this morning. We're having a camp coming up here shortly, and we're expecting it to be full. We're all working hard to put us in a good situation."
The Natives finished nine points back of a playoff spot this past season, finishing with a 25-31-3-1 record. Most of the 31 losses came in the second half of the season after the team started the season very strong.
"Every team's goal is to win the League Championship, and that's what we're aiming for," said Waddell. "We're aiming to be as high in the standings as we can, but one thing we always have to address is the financial viability of the team.
In order to help out with their finances, Neepawa has implemented a "Player Travel" fee for the upcoming season. Each player will be required to pay $267/month, $1600 per season to travel on the team bus.
"That's going to for sure help us get back in better shape financially," he added. "We've averaged a loss of over $18,000 over the past 10 years of community ownership, and that needs to stop."
Neepawa opens up their regular season with a home and home against the Winkler Flyers on September 21-22.
AUDIO - Ken Waddell:
