BLADES HIRE MAPES

The Saskatoon Blades are excited to announce the appointment of Cliff Mapes to the position of Vice President of Business Operations. Cliff comes to the Blades with a rich history in the Western Hockey League.

Cliff was working as Branch Manager with Prairie Mobile Communications in Calgary, prior to which he had a distinguished career with the Regina Pats in the WHL. The Saskatoon native spent ten years with the Pats and was the Eastern Conference recipient for the WHL’s Marketing/Business Award in 2014.

In his role of Vice President of Business Operations, Cliff created and executed the Pat’s business strategy, with a focus on client relationships, fan experience and business sustainability.He also worked on a number of international events, including a role on the host committee for the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships, working in conjunction with Hockey Canada, the International Ice Hockey Federation, the Pats staff and volunteers.

“Cliff is an outstanding addition to help lead our business team,” commented Blades President Steve Hogle. “He has a tremendous skill set and work ethic. His roots are in Saskatoon and because of the person he is he still has countless friends in the business world and community at large.”

“I’m honoured to be joining the Blades and excited to be moving back to the city where I grew up,” said Cliff.  “I can’t thank the Priestner family and Steve Hogle enough for this incredible opportunity. I’m looking forward to being closer to my family, meeting and working with the staff, corporate partners, fans and the alumni. The WHL is the greatest junior hockey league in the world and it’s a privilege to be part of it again.”

Cliff will be at work in his new role in the Blades offices next week.