AHL Board of Governors extend president and CEO Scott Howson’s contract

The American Hockey League Board of Governors have extended President and CEO Scott Howson to a multi-year contract that will see him continue his position for the league.

Howson was elected to be the President and CEO of the AHL in February 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began to pose a mounting problem for the security of the league. He led the AHL through a tumultuous few years and was rewarded for his work.

“The last three years have presented many challenges, but I believe the AHL is stronger today because of teamwork, cooperation and the shared desire of our clubs to make our league the best it can be,” said Howson. “I would like to thank the Board of Governors and the Executive Committee for the opportunity to continue to lead the AHL into more successful years ahead.”

Howson knows what it’s like to be a player working his way up the ranks of professional hockey. The Toronto, Ontario native played 18 NHL games for the New York Islanders in the mid-1980s. He was a highly successful junior player for the Kingston Canadians of the OHL and ended up playing three seasons for the Indianapolis Checkers of the CHL and a season for the Springfield Indians in the AHL. He also played one season for the Toledo Goaldiggers of the IHL.

After retiring from his playing career, Howson earned a bachelor’s degree from York University, practising law until he re-joined the hockey universe professionally. He worked for the Edmonton Oilers as the general manager of their AHL affiliate, the Cape Breton Oilers, before being named GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2007. He held that position for six years.

From 2013-2020, Howson worked for the Oilers first as a professional scout, and, later, as the vice president of player personnel when Peter Chiarelli was hired as GM in 2015.