(Photo courtesy of OHL Images)

Vellucci named OHL Executive of the Year

Photo courtesy of OHL Images

 

By Michael Caples –

The awards keep pouring in for the Plymouth Whalers’ bench boss.

Whalers president/GM/coach Mike Vellucci was named the Ontario Hockey League’s Executive of the Year today, a month after being named the Ontario Hockey League’s Coach of the Year.

Vellucci is the first person in league history to take both awards.

“I believe Mike is very deserving of this award.  I am very proud of him,” said Whalers Owner Peter Karmanos Jr.  “As good of a coach as Mike is he is an even better business executive.  Being able to perform both jobs is something that is very difficult.  I believe Mike’s ability to excel at both jobs and perform in an outstanding fashion is something that is very impressive, unique, and truly sets him apart.  To win both Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year is quite an accomplishment.”

Vellucci completed his 12th season behind the Whalers’ bench this year, leading the club to a 12th division title, and 22nd straight OHL playoff appearance.

The 46-year-old Farmington native has served as president of the Plymouth Whalers since 1999, and since taking over behind the bench, holds a 440-279-40 record, good for a .607 winning percentage, and the No. 11 spot on the OHL’s all-time wins list.

More MiHockey articles on Vellucci and the Whalers:

Vellucci named Ontario Hockey League coach of the year

Trocheck named OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year