BLACKHAWKS NAME CHEVELDAYOFF ASSISTANT GM

Cheveldayoff has won six titles as a minor league executive

Chicago, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks have named former Chicago Wolves General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff assistant general manager.

“We are excited to be bringing Kevin on board, his track record at the American Hockey League level is un-matched,” Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman said. “Our organization is committed to winning and Kevin is the perfect addition to help us reach our ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup. We are extremely appreciative of the cooperation given to us by the Chicago Wolves, Don Levin and Buddy Meyers during our interview process with Kevin. We have a tremendous amount of respect for their organization.”

Cheveldayoff, 39, spent the previous 12 seasons as the General Manager of the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves, guiding the franchise to four league championships, which includes the 2008 and 2002 Calder Cups (AHL) and 2000 and 1998 Turner Cups (International Hockey League).

Overall, the Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan, native has been a part of six league championships during his 15-year management career. He helped capture two Turner Cups in three seasons as the assistant vice president of hockey operations and assistant coach for the Denver Grizzlies (1995) and Utah Grizzlies (1996).

“Reaching the National Hockey League has always been a dream of mine and I’m proud to be able to do it as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, an organization that has made major strides over the past two years,” Cheveldayoff said. “I will always be grateful for my time working with the Chicago Wolves, and would especially like to thank Don Levin and Buddy Meyers. The memories and friendships that I have gained over the last 12 years will stay near to my heart always. The Wolves have been more than just a hockey team that I have worked for, they have been like my family. I know that the tradition and the commitment to excellence that begins at the top will continue to guide this organization as it moves forward. I am excited about the opportunity to move from one successful organization to another.”

Cheveldayoff was the architect of 12 Wolves teams that compiled a .615 regular-season winning percentage (544-320-114) and 10 postseason berths from 1997 to 2009. Eight of those clubs reached the 100-point mark during the regular season while earning four division titles and six postseason conference championships.

Cheveldayoff was originally drafted by the New York Islanders in the first round, 16th overall, in the 1988 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He made his professional debut with the Springfield Indians (AHL) during the 1989-90 season. He then served as alternate captain for the Capital District Islanders (AHL), serving as the alternate captain from 1991 to 1993.

Cheveldayoff held the same role with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles in 1993-94, earning the team’s unsung hero award after racking up a career-high 216 penalty minutes in 73 games. Known as a defensive defenseman during his playing days, a knee injury cut his professional career short after five seasons.

He and his wife, Janet, have one son, Chase, and one daughter, Alexi.