Front Office

With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience in sales, marketing and operations, Greg Fettes is the founder of 24-7 Intouch, a global customer service outsourcing company with over 10,000 employees in 14 sites around the world including Canada, the United States, Guatemala, Jamaica, and the Philippines. Greg provides the strategic direction for one of the fastest growing companies in North America, helping them think outside the box and disrupt a stagnant industry for some of the greatest tech, retail, and consumer brands in the world.

Greg is also a thriving philanthropist! His extremely generous donations have helped foundations such as the Children’s Hospital, Health Sciences Centre, CancerCare Manitoba, KidSport, Project 11, True North, The Dream Factory, etc.

Above all else, Greg is the proud father of 2 boys, Madden and Miller, as well as an active minor hockey coach.

PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER – MATT COCKELL

Matt Cockell brings close to 20 years of hockey experience with Hockey Canada, the Brandon Wheat Kings, Winnipeg South Blues and Hockey Manitoba to the Kootenay ICE. Matt was a member of Canada’s National Women’s Hockey Team at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia that won a gold medal. He was also a member of the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings coaching staff that participated in the MasterCard Memorial Cup in 2010 and 2016. Matt was selected in the fifth round (117th overall) by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft and played three seasons in the WHL (1996-99) with the Saskatoon Blades, Seattle Thunderbirds, Regina Pats and Spokane Chiefs.

In his previous role, Matt Cockell acted as Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, for True North Sports + Entertainment, overseeing the development and growth of all business relationships with corporate partners. Matt also held the position of Chief Customer Officer at 24-7 Intouch, where he oversaw and lead the strategy and execution for all sales, marketing and customer experience functions. Utilizing his WHL Scholarship, Matt graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2004 with an Honours degree in Marketing and Small Business Finance.

Matt and his wife Raylin have three Children, Braxten, Kinsley, and Mavric.

VICE PRESIDENT – RAYLIN KIRSCH

Raylin graduated from university with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and English and a Bachelor of Education specializing in Early Years Education. Over the course of twelve years teaching in early years classrooms, she instilled life long skills and developed an educational foundation for students from kindergarten to grade two in French Immersion programs. Raylin brings her passion for community to the forefront of her days, developing youth and community group programming for the team as well as coordinating a strong and supportive presence at local events.

She is married to Matt Cockell, and together they share the joy of raising three incredible children.

DIRECTOR, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND FAN EXPERIENCE – LEAH WATKINS

Leah Watkings joined the Kootenay ICE as its Director, Business Operations and Fan Experience in the summer of 2018.

Before joining the ICE, Leah spent three years in the sales and marketing world. Through her sales/ account experience, Leah is known for her ability to build trusting relationships with clients and developing long-lasting partnerships.

Previously, Leah spent time as Senior Account Manager, Solutions Consultant and Trainer with Maxim Software Systems. She also spent four years volunteering for various sports organizations.

Leah has a business degree in Administration with a Major in Marketing.

MANAGER, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND FAN EXPERIENCE – PRIYA PLESTED

Priya Plested joined the Kootenay ICE as its Manager, Business Operations and Fan Experience in the summer of 2018.

Before joining the ICE, Priya spent time volunteering with the Kamloops Blazers as part of their game day staff from 2013 to 2018. Before that, Priya worked with Hockey Canada during the 2016 IIHF World Women’s Championship and spent the summer of 2017 as a business intern with the Western Hockey League.

Priya has incorporated her formal education and her passion for the game of hockey to fulfill her dream of working in hockey.

Priya received her post-secondary education at Thompson Rivers University earning a Bachelor of Business Administration, Majoring in Marketing and Finance.

Priya often enjoys leisure activities such as golf or fitness classes.

MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY – BRANT HILTON

Brant Hilton joined the Kootenay ICE as its Manager, Communications and Community in the summer of 2017.

Before joining the ICE, Brant spent five years in the world of broadcasting. Brant knows what it takes to be part of a successful team, spending over three years in Regina, SK, part of an award-winning news team at 980 CJME. During that time, Brant learned the importance of connecting with community members through storytelling to better form relationships and rapport.

Since the summer of 2012, Brant has expanded his experience and skills in Estevan, SK, Brandon, MB, and Regina, SK. During that time, he was on-the-air, reporting and helped with social media and online coverage.

Brant also brings a wealth of playing experience to the ICE, having spent time in the MJHL (Winnipeg Blues), WHL (Prince Albert, Swift Current) and U Sports (University of Regina). Brant was awarded top goaltender honours and league MVP while with the Blues during the MJHL’s 2006-07 season. He set numerous records at the U of R and was one of two goalies chosen to represent Team Canada at the 2009 World University Games in Harbin, China.

MANAGER, OFFICE EXPERIENCE – RYLEE ANDERSEN

Rylee Andersen joined the Kootenay ICE as its Manager, Office Experience in the summer of 2017.

With a passion for sports, Rylee graduated high school in 2015 with the goal of working with an athletics team. Rylee studied business administration, majoring in marketing at SAIT in Calgary. There, she worked as a minor official for the SAIT Trojans men’s and women’s hockey team for the 2016-2017 season. Rylee graduated post-secondary in the spring of 2017 and is excited to start her career with the Kootenay ICE.

EDUCATION ADVISOR – DARRELL TAYLOR

Darrell Taylor joined the Kootenay ICE as its Education Advisor in the summer of 2017.

Darrell is a longtime resident and educator in Cranbrook. His teaching and counselling experience are a natural fit in his new role as Education Advisor. For the past 12 years he has worked as a representative of Mount Baker Secondary with the ICE and their Ed. Advisor to ensure the players’ successful integration to the school and to their home school at season end. As a long time coach, he brings the understanding of the demands of school and high level athletics to his new role.

Darrell and his wife Sherryl continue to enjoy their amazingly accessible outdoor community.

BOOKKEEPER / ANTHEMIST – ROBIN SUDO