Mar 2, 2018
WHALERS WELCOME NEW OWNERSHIP GROUP
The Niagara Whalers Jr A Hockey Club located in Port Colborne, Ontario is pleased to announce a new ownership group with an effort to take the organization to the next level and continue the organizations pursuit of excellence on and off the ice.
The members of the new ownership group have a extensive business and hockey background which will only improve the Niagara Whalers Hockey Club moving forward. The new ownership group will move the Niagara Whalers to the next level in its effort to become one of the top Junior Hockey programs in Southern Ontario and the Western New York Area. Our commitment to Port Colborne, the community, our sponsors, and fans will remain as strong as ever as we look to take the Niagara Whalers to the next level.
Rodney Giove joins the group as an owner and is an attorney who owns and operates his own law practice in Niagara Falls, New York where he was born and raised. Rodney brings extensive legal experience and knowledge to the Whalers franchise as he has represented various pro and amateur sports teams and organizations during his sixteen year legal career. Rodney is also a lifelong hockey fan who is energized and excited about becoming an owner of the Whalers franchise. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I am excited to become an owner of the Whalers with the new ownership group. The Whalers have done an incredible job since their inception and we will continue to work hard to develop players, as well as produce exciting and winning teams. It is our goal to put championship caliber teams on the ice each year as our fans and the entire Port Colborne and surrounding communities deserve nothing less.”
Jason Hill joins the Niagara Whalers ownership group as Head of Hockey Operations, and Skill Development. Hill comes from a long line of success in both hockey and lacrosse in the Niagara Region both on Canadian side and American side of the border. Gary Hill (Father-Cornell D1 University Ice Hockey, Jr. A/Senior A Lacrosse) Vince Hill (Uncle-St. Lawerence D1 Ice Hockey and Lacrosse) Robbin Hill (Uncle-Fredonia Ice Hockey NCAA)Gary Hill (Brother-Buffalo Lightning Jr. A Hockey OPJHL) Seth Blue Hill (Cousin-Brock University Hockey and Senior A Lacosse) Travis Hill (Cousin Canisuis D1 Lacosse, NLL Rochestester Knighthawks and Jr. B Hockey) Jason Hill has an impressive playing resume, having played Junior, College and Minor Pro. He set scoring records for the Welland Canadians in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL), which earned him a few Division I commitments which ultimately fell through, leading him to play Division III at SUNY College at Buffalo, recording 131 points in 90 games over 4 years. At Buffalo State, Hill broke the school scoring record as well as the assist record. In his Senior Year, he led the nation in Division III assist which propelled him to his first pro contract with The Wheeling Nailers of the East Coast Hockey League, the AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Hill says "I'm excited for his opportunity and can't wait to help player’s immediately on ice and with their future in hockey" He adds "I also couldn't be more thrilled to have joined the new ownership group. Terry Masterson who coached against me in the GOJHL for 4 years in Jr Hockey has an unbelievable hockey back ground and long line of success with Niagara Falls Canucks winning 16 championships and moving hundreds of players to the next level of hockey. I am very excited to assist Coach Masterson and his excellent staff to continue his success with the Niagara Whalers. I also am very excited to work with community and help bring additional championships to Port Colborne"
With a long playing career at Junior, College and Pro hockey, Hill has created a platform to advance players to make sure they hit their hockey future end goals. He coached Niagara Falls Powerhawks the last year and a half (formerly known at Lockport Express) of the NA3HL. He moved numerous players up to the NAHL and graduated players on to NCAA College and ACHA College teams. Hill stated "I've played this game a long time and realized that connections is more then half the battle, of course skills, work ethic and school being most important but these players need someone in their corner making sure they are preparing for the next level and all their T's are crossed and I's are dotted. Also it doesn't hurt that most of my next level connections are former teammates."
The Niagara Whalers Jr A Hockey Club is beyond ecstatic to have Hill and Giove be a part of the ownership group here in Niagara where the plan is to make the Niagara Whalers the ultimate hockey destination for players to come to.
