At the Memorial Cup in Kelowna last week, WHL general managers gathered for meetings and a dinner. Edmonton Oil Kings' new GM Michael Chan, the former head of scouting, has taken over from Kirt Hill, who moved to the Edmonton Oilers as an assistant general manager.
Chan, 35, is one of two first-year GMs in the WHL, alongside Swift Current Broncos' Travis Crickard. The dinner bill hasn't arrived yet, but Chan jokes, 'I may have to tell them go easy on the wine.' His journey from volunteer to top executive is remarkable.
Early Beginnings and Dedication
Chan started as a teenager at the University of Alberta, studying business and volunteering with the Golden Bears hockey team. 'I knocked on the door asking if I could help out in any way,' he recalls. A lifelong Oilers fan, he grew up with season tickets and was inspired by the 2006 playoff run.
He began as video and assistant coach for the Golden Bears under Ian Herbers, then interned with the Oilers' scouting and video department, learning from Billy Moores and Rick Carriere. He also assisted former head coach Dallas Eakins, handling practice plans and video meetings.
Rising Through the Ranks
Chan then joined the Oil Kings as video coach for two years under Steve Hamilton and Ryan Marsh. When Kirt Hill became GM in 2018, Chan moved into scouting. He briefly left to be video coach for the AHL Toronto Marlies, then returned in 2021 as head of scouting for five years after Jamie Porter left for the Colorado Avalanche.
Now, as GM and president of the Oilers-owned junior team, Chan's promotion reflects the organization's faith in his work ethic and hockey intelligence. 'Just tried to inch my way up,' he says, emphasizing his willingness to take on any task.
Chan's story is one of perseverance: from low-paid internships to leading a WHL franchise. His passion for the game and dedication to learning have paid off, making him a role model for aspiring hockey executives.
