WHL Commissioner Ron Robison was unanimously granted a three-year extension of his contract through the 2023-24 WHL season by the league’s Board of Governors.
2020-21 marked the 21st season that Robison led the CHL’s westernmost league.
Robison has served the same number of seasons in the WHL as former WHL President Ed Chynoweth (1973-79; 1980-95).
“It is an honour and privilege to continue serving as Commissioner of this great league,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “I am very fortunate to work with a highly committed ownership group and staff with our 22 member clubs and exceptionally dedicated staff at our WHL Office who continue to be focused on maintaining the WHL’s position as a world-leading development league in the seasons ahead.”
The Western Hockey League remains one of the foremost producers of talent headed to the National Hockey League, the world’s pinnacle of hockey. The league also provides nearly 400 scholarships to graduating players annually.
The Indian Head, SK native Robison got his start in hockey as an assistant coach with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, eventually earning a spot in the Canada West Hall of Fame as a member of the 1980-83 Huskies Men’s hockey teams inducted in October 2019. In 2007, he was honoured by the University as one of their 100 Alumni of Influence
From there Robison worked his way through the ranks over 20 years at the Canadian Hockey Association / Hockey Canada. He finished his career there as the senior vice-president of Hockey Canada’s Business Operations.
It was in September 2000 when Robison was named the commissioner of the WHL, replacing Dev Dley. Since that time Robison has seen the league expand from 18 teams to 22, as well as overseeing the relocation of several franchises. Robison also oversaw the creation of the U.S. Prospects Cup, an opportunity for teams in the Western United States to show their stuff before the WHL US Prospects Draft.
Six times since 2000, a team from the WHL has won the CHL’s Memorial Cup.
Robison has seen his contract extended on four separate occasions.
“The WHL Board of Governors voted unanimously to extend the contract of WHL Commissioner Ron Robison,” commented Bruce Hamilton, WHL Chairman of the Board. “Over 21 years, Ron has done a tremendous job of continually elevating the Western Hockey League, including guiding the WHL through the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring all clubs were able to deliver a development season for WHL players. As we emerge from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ron’s continued leadership will be vital for the WHL to maintain its standing as a world leader in hockey development, player experience, and hockey scholarships.”
Robison will be 69 years old in the final year of his contract.
