The Carman Beavers senior hockey club of the South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League (SEMHL) recently announced that Lorne Zacharias will replace Dennis Young as Team President.
Outgoing president Dennis Young had been involved with the Beavers for over 25 years, starting as an equipment/trainer assistant in 1981-82, retiring in 1986, and returning in 2003 as GM/President.
“I met and enjoyed so many players and volunteers over those years and was part of four championships,” said Young. “Memories of those people and the fun we had, and we did have fun, will always be with me. However, I am sorry to say I have lost my enthusiasm and that is an integral part of leadership. I am very confident that Lorne will do a fantastic job, and I will support him in any way he sees fit.”
Zacharias will become the new team president effective Sept. 1. Over the past few years, he has been involved in game night operations and has a son playing with the team, so it’s important for him that the team continues to succeed.
“I was afraid that the day was coming that Dennis was going to retire from his role with the Beavers,” said Zacharias. “He leaves big shoes to fill, but we have a good core of volunteers to assist, and I hope to get a few people together to work as an executive to lead the organization. It is comforting that Dennis has agreed to stay on in a reduced role to help with the transition.
After the last couple of seasons being a struggle for the Beavers as they routinely found themselves in the basement of the league standings, Zacharias hopes to be a part of the solution to turn things around and return the Beavers to their winning ways.
“I am honoured to be a part of the leadership of this historic team and look forward to maintaining a great opportunity for local senior hockey players,” said Zacharias.
In other SEMHL news, the league has announced that it will be expanding to 11 teams for the 2024-25 season as the Springfield Winterhawks were voted in unanimously to join teams in Carman, Portage, Morden, Winkler, Altona, Notre Dame, Warren, Ste. Anne, Ile des Chenes and Red River.
