CCHL Personnel

KEVIN ABRAMS

COMMISSIONER

Kevin Abrams was named Commissioner in June of 2006.  After over twenty years in Junior A hockey as a Coach, General Manager and Owner, Abrams embarked on his first administrative position with the CCHL.

During his tenure the league has grown from 10 to 12 franchises, an all-time high, and has continued to be a development ground for future NCAA and CHL players.  New ventures include the implementation of large scale group purchasing, focusing on technology in areas such as real time statistics, video coaching and teaching tools, advanced scouting and administrative software and events such as the Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge, the Ontario Summer Select Showcase and the largest September Showcase for players to display their skills.

Abrams resides near Pembroke with his wife Danna. 

STEVE BARBAN

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Steve Barban has served as the CCHL Chairman of the Board of Governors since 2008.  As the league's Chief Executive Officer, he represents the interests of the twelve franchises and their ownership groups and liaises regularly with CCHL Commissioner Kevin Abrams.

Steve's business accolades are aplenty. Highlights include: inaugural Canadian winner of the T.O. Peterson National Manager of the Year Award in 1996, inaugural winner of the Canadian Dalbar Financial Professional Seal in 1999 - highest overall score nationally of any participating financial advisor from any firm in Canada (profiled in November 1999 Advisor's Edge magazine) and recipient of the Ottawa Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 Award in 2003 as one of the top 40 upcoming entrepreneurs under the age of 40 in the National Capital Region. More recently he was once again profiled in the March 2008 PROFIT magazine. His firm was also mentioned as one of Canada's fastest growing companies in 2007 in the PROFIT 100 annual ranking. He is also currently a member of the Manulife Securities National Retail Advisory Council, the only Manulife Securities Incorporated advisor as a four time member of the council.

As accomplished as his business acumen has been in this and other businesses, Steve also takes time to give back to his community where he is active as a coach on his son's competitive minor hockey team, is owner of the non profit Cumberland Grads Junior "A" Hockey Club, and has been a director on his village's community association. As proud as he is of his business life; Steve is even more proud of his family; his spouse who minds their other businesses and their two children who constantly surprise and bring joy to their parents.

TED WARD

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Ted Ward is the longest serving executive member in the CCHL, having served under two previous Commissioners during his tenure.  His responsibilities include all matters of finance with the league and its owners and all group purchasing programs.  He oversees all events and develops the business plan and budgeting for the CCHL. 

SEAN MARCELLUS

DIRECTOR OF HOCKEY OPERATIONS

Sean is responsible for weekly team reports, tracking supplemental discipline, website & social media operations, and scheduling.  He also acts as Director of Game-Day Operations for the U18 league (HEO AAA), and Director of Hockey Operations for the Tier 2 league (CCHL2) and runs the Spring Development League (CDHL).

PETER PECKETT

VICE PRESIDENT – TEAM INFORMATION

Peter serves as statistician, and updates all league records.  A former President, Peter brings his experience in that area as well as monitoring all electronic scoring and data input to ensure accuracy and compliance with league policies.

WHIT PROPHET

DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING

Whit is responsible for all things video on CCHL broadcasts, including the video highlight program on the league website, and development of league wide strategies for improving the quality of the PPV broadcasts.  He works with all 12 team video leaders to ensure all league policies are followed.

JONATHAN CALOF

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Jonathan works with all 12 team academic advisors to ensure players are in proper courses and also have full information on prerequisites for SAT, ACT and NCAA clearing house.  He deals directly with players and families requiring assistance in entry to classes at local universities and colleges.