The Windsor Spitfires have named a new director of scouting and hockey operations.
Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel announced Thursday that the defending Memorial Cup champions have hired Frank Evola for the position. Evola is a Windsor native who has served as head scout with the OHL's Oshawa Generals for the past nine seasons.
"We're very happy to add an excellent hockey mind like Frank to our staff," Rychel says in a statement. "He has a wealth of experience and a real eye for spotting young talent and building winning teams. Frank has a strong work ethic from his family background. Having grown up here, he's invested in the community. He's a great fit for us moving forward."
Evola, 44, was instrumental in helping put together a roster that brought the Memorial Cup to the Generals in 2015. He says leaving Oshawa is difficult but Windsor is a golden opportunity.
"I grew up with Windsor Spitfires hockey," Evola says in a statement. "I used to sit in Section 9 at The Barn. I'm looking forward to joining the staff and bringing more championships to my hometown."
Evola's primary responsibility will be to oversee the Spitfires' scouting department, according to the team. He will also provide input into potential transactions.