Late last week it was announced that the 55-year-old from Rosetown, SK. would be joining the Wheaties as an Assistant General Manager. After announcing a new coaching staff and front office, the dramatic reshaping continued to take flight, as Gasper was formally introduced by Owner Kelly McCrimmon.
“I’d like to thank both Kelly McCrimmon and Darren Ritchie for this tremendous opportunity,” said Gasper in a team-issued press release. “The Wheat Kings are a model franchise in the Western Hockey League and the opportunity to work with Darren and the Hockey Operations staff is exciting. I look forward to continuing the tradition of successful Wheat King hockey.”
Gasper joins the Wheat Kings following two seasons in Vancouver as the Western Canadian Amateur Scout for the Canucks of the NHL. After beginning with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Nipawin Hawks, Gasper moved on to scout for both the Prince Albert Raiders, before being named Director of Scouting with the Moose Jaw Warriors. He held that position for two seasons before moving to Vancouver.
“We’re really excited to add Doug,” former Wheat Kings’ Scouting Directer and now General Manager Darren Ritchie said in the press release. “He’s well respected in our league… he’s hard working and has an excellent eye for talent. Doug will run our scouting department and we will work closely together in helping build our team.”
Tragedy hit the Gasper family last year when Doug’s son, his wife and three children were killed in a head-on collision back in Saskatchewan, prompting the move back to the prairies. Doug, his wife and second son survive the five lost family members.
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