Kelman has quit & left the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) Belfast Giants to become the new general manager of the British Elite Ice Hockey League (BEIHL) Cardiff Devils.
The Giants are an ice hockey team from Belfast, Northern Ireland that compete in the Elite Ice Hockey League, while the Devils are a Welsh ice hockey team who play in the British Elite Ice Hockey League. Kelman played eight seasons with the Giants (2000-2008) before retiring becoming the Giants General Manager. Kelman spent seven season as Giants GM, played one season in Vernon (1992-93) playing in 48 games with the Vernon Lakers collecting (16-goals-30-assists-46-points). Kelman was drafted in Round 6 141st overall by the St. Louis Blues at the 1993 NHL Draft.Todd Kelman's Player Profile:
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=64909
This is posted on the BBC website:
General manager Todd Kelman quits Belfast Giants
13 June 2014
The Belfast Giants general manager Todd Kelman is leaving the club to become part of a Canadian consortium that is buying their Elite League rivals Cardiff Devils.
A Giants statement acknowledged that Kelman's decision would "come as a shock" to the club's fans and players.
Kelman has been at the Giants since 2000 when he was part of the club's first ever squad.
Given Kelman's departure, recently-appointed coach Steve Thornton is now expected to assume the duties undertaken by the general manager.
"The appointment of Steve Thornton was part of the development planning for the Giants," said Robert Fitzpatrick, the Chief Executive of Giants owners the Odyssey Trust.
TODD KELMAN FACTFILE
•Born in Calgary, 5 January, 1975
•Drafted by NHL club St Louis Blues, 1993 but never played for them
•Played for Bracknell Bees from 1997-20
•Signed for Belfast Giants 2000 and helped club win League titles in 2003 and 2006
•Appointed Giants general manager after retirement from playing 2007
•Giants have won two League titles since then
"Todd has kept me informed that he was exploring other options in relation to his future plans and whilst this has come a surprise, I am absolutely delighted that he is fulfilling his dream to be a part of owning a franchise.
"We are proud of what Todd has done as general manager and as a player and he will always be remembered fondly on and off the ice, we wish him well."
Thornton said that he excited about his increased responsibilities at the club.
"Although I was looking forward to renewing my working relationship with Todd, it was clearly explained to me that I was in charge of all hockey affairs and I have a vision for the delivery of that challenge," said Thornton.
"I am delighted to be inheriting a group of people including players, staff and volunteers with a great work ethic and a passion for this team who will be key to delivering on the plans we have."
Kelman helped the Giants clinch two League titles during his playing career at the Odyssey Arena.
His spell in charge of the club saw the Giants clinching two league titles including this year's triumph.
Kelman's move is more upheaval for the club after coach Paul Adey's surprise departure from the club in April a couple of weeks after guiding the team to the League title.
Thornton will not be able to call on the talents of winger Chris Higgins next season after the American opted to sign for Nottingham Panthers earlier this week.
This is posted on the Wales online Newspaper:
Todd Kelman is unveiled as Cardiff Devils general manager as Canadian consortium take over
Jun 13, 2014
By Terry Phillips
Kelman, 39, resigned from his position at Belfast Giants yesterday - and has been revealed as new Devils boss today.
Canadian Todd Kelman is the new general manager of Cardiff Devils.
The former Bracknell and Belfast defenceman is coming to Wales after the Elite League Devils were bought by Canadian businessman Steve King.
Kelman, 39, resigned from his position at Belfast Giants yesterday - and has been revealed as new Devils boss today.
New: Cardiff Devils' new owners
He is part of the Canadian consortium, headed up by King, who have are buying the club from Paul Ragan for an undisclosed fee.
Kelman helped Giants clinch two League titles during his playing career at the Odyssey Arena and was appointed general manager after his retirement in 2007.
His time in charge saw Giants clinching two league titles including this year’s triumph plus play-off triumphs.
King and his partners are in the final process of taking over the team.
He is co-founder and CEO of Alaris Royalty in Calgary, Alberta Canada and has known Kelman for 15 years.
A quick decision is likely on the future of Devils head coach Dave Whistle, who was trying to work with a restricted budget. That budget is certain to rise, but it is not clear yet whether Whistle will be the man in charge.
Whistle came in at the end of last season when Devils were already in trouble near the foot of the table and they eventually finished ninth, missing out on the play-offs.
Devils have signed British goaltender Ben Bowns, who is tied into playing for the club and will be starting goalie next season.
Tomas Kurka, though, made it clear several weeks ago he was not returning to play for the Devils even though he had agreed a two-year contract at almost £1,000 a week.
Kurka is signing for a club in mainland Europe.
Kelman, a former St Louis Blues NHL draft pick, is aiming to start signing players quickly with Mark Richardson and Matthew Myers among the priorities. The two British players look certain to be key players for Devils next season.
Devils’ new management are also in talks with a number of potential import signings and are expected to move quickly.
Kelman plans to host a fan event sometime in the next two weeks to meet with Devils Supporters and lay out his plans for the Devils. It is anticipated that King will also be in Cardiff for that event.
The time, date and location of this event are still to be confirmed although likely dates are either Thursday, June 26 or Friday, June 27.
Devils new management have agreed to honour all season tickets already bought for the 2014-15 season.
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