Chilliwack Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Brian Maloney announced a trio of staff additions to the hockey department today, headlined by the appointment of Cam Keith as Associate General Manager and Associate Head Coach.
Maloney was thrilled to have Keith, who joined the Chiefs just prior to the recent RBC Cup Championship, agree to a long-term contract with the club.
“As a player, Cam has experience at both the NCAA and professional level,” said Maloney. “He also has experience coaching in the BCHL. We’re very fortunate to find someone with this much experience to help enhance our program.”
Prior to joining the Chiefs, Keith spent two seasons as the General Manager and Head Coach of the BCHL’s Trail Smoke Eaters. Under his guidance the Smoke Eaters posted a regular season record of 58-47-9-2 and earned a spot in the post season both years. This past post season the Smoke Eaters defeated the West Kelowna Warriors and Penticton Vees before falling in the third round to the eventual league champion Wenatchee Wild.
Prior to joining the Smoke Eaters, Keith spent two seasons as an assistant coach of the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.
Keith’s playing days included two plus seasons in the BCHL where he spent time with both the Victoria Salsa and the Smoke Eaters. After four seasons at the NCAA’s University of Alaska Fairbanks, he moved on to a pro career where he suited up for eight different teams in six leagues including stops in both Germany and Italy.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Chilliwack Chiefs organization and to work with Brian Maloney,” said Keith. “Watching how much passion he brought to the RBC cup I knew that this team and working with him was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Also joining the Chiefs hockey staff is Brad Rihela, who will add his talents to the coaching, as well as the scouting and recruiting departments.
Rihela also joined the Chiefs just prior to the RBC Cup and is someone who Maloney says will be counted on in multiple positions.
“Brad will help out as an assistant coach as well as playing a huge part in the Chiefs recruiting process. He brings with him a ton of experience in both areas. With Brad’s positive approach to everything it is our hope that his example will extend to our players and how they carry themselves not only around the rink but also in the community.”
Rihela is looking forward to the challenge. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to work with the Chilliwack Chiefs. The plan that Brian is implementing here is something that is exciting and innovative. It is definitely a privilege to be a part of it.”
Taking over as the Chiefs trainer and athletic therapist is Brian Patafie, who also brings a wealth of experience, including a stint with the NHL’s Calgary Flames with him to the Chiefs hockey department.
“There isn’t anyone in the game that has as much passion for his position than Brian,” said Maloney. “He’s more than just his job title, he will bring so much more than that. Knowing that everyone around him is being taken care of will only help the coaching staff and players concentrate more on their roles. There was a reason why Brian’s career path took him to multiple levels of professional sports. He’ll bring his organizational skills along with his passion, while adding some good old stories to keep everyone entertained.”
Looking at all the new additions, Maloney summed it up with the following comment. “Blending all this enthusiasm and passion together only makes it that much more exciting for the years to follow. I’m very honoured and humbled to be working alongside these talented individuals.”
For more information contact the Chiefs office at 604.392.4433
