A member of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs management has taken a step towards the bigtime.
Spiros Anastas has resigned as general manager to become an analytics coach/advanced director of scouting with the Grand Rapids Griffiths, an American Hockey League affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, the team noted in a press release.
Although only in Alberni for a short time Anastas liked what he saw developing. “I believe that this community deserves the absolute best and I believe the young men in locker room are a great group with a bright future ahead of them,” Anastas said. “However, when an opportunity like this comes along, you have to jump at it."
Bulldogs head coach Kevin Willison will assume the role of general manager, the release noted.
Moving on, even if it is sudden, is part of the game, team director Ron Paulson said.
“...we fully recognize that this league is about moving personnel and players forward, to the highest level possible. We wish Spiros continued success as he advances his hockey career,” Paulson said.
Anastas came to Alberni from Western Michigan University after seeing the junior prep camp in August. “I see a very bright future for the team and I'm excited to be a part of it,” Anastas said then.
His resume included a BA in economics and a BSc in business administration and accounting. He also recently completed an MA in sports administration.
But Anastas also had hockey cred. The Mississauga, Ont. native played Junior A hockey in the OPJHL with the Bancroft Hawks, Huntsville Otters, and Vaughn Vipers from 2002 to 2006. Afterward, he attended Lebanon Valley College as a dual sport student-athlete, competing in track and field and captaining the hockey team for four seasons. Most recently, he was an assistant coach with Western Michigan University.