3 minute read
New Owner of Vegreville Vipers - Dan Tabak
New Owner of Vegreville Vipers - Dan Tabak
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Dan Tabak, and his wife, MJ live in Edmonton where they own and operate Canada Security Service / Alberta Pardons, but they have an affinity for Vegreville.
Dan developed a desire to enter into ownership with this Alberta Elite Junior Hockey League team after, visiting Vegreville many times and spending time with the kids at the Pysanka Park. They have now also been there more recently, and love the peaceful and well-natured community.
Dan explained, “I have been involved in hockey for many years. I have been on many boards within Hockey Edmonton and Hockey Alberta. I was the President of St Matthew's (KC) hockey in Edmonton for six years. I was the Vice President of KC Hockey in Edmonton and Novice Director with Hockey Edmonton. My son has played hockey since he was five years old, and only when he grew older, I coached him as either a head coach or an assistant coach.
Dan went on to express that Bryan Brown and Gatlin Church had been talking about the Vipers, and were hoping to re-establish the hockey team. “Gatlin then approached me and MJ and talked to us about the wonderful opportunity Bryan was looking to provide. I talked with Bryan and with Dan from the Arena, and we immediately saw the passion that there is in Vegreville and knew that we wanted to get involved and bring a hockey opportunity to Vegreville. We understand that there is Jr B hockey, and at no time are we going to try, and take away any opportunity for that team.”
Dan said MJ and himself, along with our new GM and Head Coach, Kevin Henry, are looking forward to having the Vegreville Vipers hockey team be community-driven and involved, and to working with volunteers and businesses to continue to be a lasting part of the community that Bryan Brown had started.
“Our goal is to maintain a strong, viable relationship with Vegreville through community involvement, service, and sport. We are dedicated to making a positive impact and giving back to the community by working alongside local businesses and organizations.
We hope to have the Vegreville Vipers Hockey program continue to model and reinforce a professional atmosphere and attitude to ensure a positive experience for our fans, players, supporters, corporate partners, and the community as a whole.”
