Sports
Whalers Add Veteran Scouts to Staff
Jim Debenham Returns from Sarnia, Norm Robert Comes from Sudbury.
Plymouth Whalers General Manager and Head Coach Mike Vellucci announced the hiring of Jim Debenham and Norm Robert to the Whalers’ scouting staff.
Debenham, in a sense, is coming home to Plymouth. He worked as the Whalers Director of Scouting from 2002-09 before moving to Sarnia in the same position over the past three seasons. Robert worked in Peterborough as a scout from 1996-2010 before moving to Sudbury as the Wolves’ scouting director for the past two seasons.
“We welcome Jim back,” said Vellucci. “He brings a lot of experience and he already knows what kind of player we want to play Whaler Hockey. Norm has a ton of experience in the Toronto area. I look forward to getting to know him and work with him.”
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Debenham and Robert worked for the Central Scouting Bureau before moving on to Ontario Hockey League.
The Whalers finished 47-18-2-1 last season, winning their 10th West Division title in 22 years while making the OHL playoffs for the 21st consecutive season. Plymouth should be in the thick of the Western Conference race again in 2012-13.
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Plymouth opens up training camp during the last week in August. The Whalers play their first preseason game on Sat. Sept. 1 at 7 pm against Windsor at Yack Arena in Wyandotte. Plymouth’s home opener is Sat. Sept. 22 at 7:05 p.m. at against Belleville.
Tickets for all Plymouth Whalers game can be purchased by calling Compuware Arena at (734) 453-8400.
