The Winkler Flyers have announced their scouting staff for the upcoming season. Craig Anderson, Scott Unger, Rick McConnell, Chad Cossey, Kori Pearson and Jordan Humphries will help with building the Flyers lineup of the future.
“We’re trying to expand our presence in Southern Manitoba and across western Canada and into the United States,” Says Flyers Head Coach and General Manager Ken Pearson. “We try to build our team through the draft and having quality scouts goes a long way in doing that.”
Craig Anderson (Manitoba) has been the Flyers Head Scout and Assistant General Manager for the past four seasons. Anderson began his playing career with the Neepawa Natives (MJHL) and played in Neepawa from 1993 to 1995. He went on to play for the Brandon Bobcats (CIS) from 1995 to 2000.
He stepped behind the bench to coach the Brandon AAA Wheat Kings (MAAAMHL) from 2004 to 2009 guiding them to a National Championship in 2004. Anderson was also an Assistant Coach for the Brandon Bobcats from 2000 to 2003.
Not only is Anderson the Head Scout for the Winkler Flyers, but he also scouts and evaluates players for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League. Anderson currently lives in Brandon.
Scott Unger (Manitoba) is currently a scout with the Vancouver Giants (WHL). He was previously a scout for the Saskatoon Blades and Steinbach Pistons. Unger currently lives in Winnipeg.
Rick McConnell (Manitoba) played for the Winkler Flyers from 1988 to 1989 and was also the Head Coach of the Pembina Valley Hawks (MAAAMHL) for 11 years (1992-2003). He is currently the Assistant Coach at Pilot Mound Hockey Academy. McConnell currently lives in Pilot Mound.
Chad Cossey (Alberta) played for the Flyers from 1999 to 2001 before going on to the NAIT Ooks (ACAC) until 2004. He was the Head Scout for the Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL) from 2012 to 2014. Cossey currently lives in Tofield, Alberta.
Kori Pearson (Minnesota) played at the collegiate level with Minot State University (Bottineau – NJCAA) and Concordia College (Moorhead NCAA Div III) following a three year stint with the Neepawa Natives (MJHL). Kori is currently the Coach of the East Ridge Raptors – Minnesota High School and a Scout for the Amarillo Bulls (NAHL) and a ISS Hockey Scout Intern.
Jordan Humphries (Minnesota/North Dakota) is currently at the University of North Dakota looking to attain his Marketing and Sports Business Degree. He also works for Veritas Hockey with a focus on High School and Junior hockey players.