‘It’s in my blood’: P.E.I.’s Bill Schurman named as new GM of Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A key determine within the development of Summerside as a nationwide calibre sports activities host would be the new normal supervisor of Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown.

Invoice Schurman, 67, replaces Jennifer Shebib, whose contract was not renewed final month following about one yr on the job.

“When this chance offered itself, I expressed an curiosity,’’ Schurman mentioned in an interview with SaltWire Community on Aug. 26. “Who would not need to have the accountability of (managing) a facility like this in a rising metropolis. I need to develop a staff right here and be a part of that.’’

Schurman, who begins in his new position on Aug. 29, is available in with years of expertise in amenities administration, group growth, tourism, conferences and conventions and main occasions.

The Summerside man was instrumental in his dwelling group turning into host to quite a few regional, nationwide and worldwide occasions throughout his stint as town’s recreation director.

His earlier roles additionally embody UPEI’s athletic director, normal supervisor of Purple Ball Web Centre in Moncton (which homes 4 ice surfaces), normal supervisor of the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL and chaired the Memorial Cup event there in 2006. Schurman additionally labored with the previous Lewiston franchise within the QMJHL.

Requested about his background, he shrugs and says, “It’s in my blood.’’

Unanimous rent

John Abbott, chairman of Charlottetown Civic Centre Administration Inc., which manages and operates Eastlink Centre and adjoining commerce centre, mentioned Schurman was a unanimous rent with the seven-member board.

“To be fairly trustworthy, we pounded a variety of bushes and did a variety of work and Invoice has been on this place (earlier than) so we’ve had a lot of discussions; a lot of conferences; we’ve had a lot of interviews,’’ Abbot mentioned. “It was a no-brainor to return to the board and advocate hiring Invoice.’’

There are some important occasions developing that Schurman and his staff will likely be closely concerned within the subsequent 15 months — the 2023 Canada Winter Video games, U17 world boys’ hockey championship and welcoming a brand new tenant within the Japanese Canadian Basketball League’s Charlottetown Energy.

“We predict Invoice is the man that may get us via it, pull us collectively as a staff and get every little thing caught up,’’ Abbott mentioned.

Schurman can be coming in at a time when near $1 million has been or is being spent in upgrades to Eastlink Centre.

One of many huge modifications followers will discover within the subsequent few months is a brand new 360-degree video scoreboard that can be capable of broadcast video replays, changing the 4 video screens in every of the corners.

Nevertheless, Schurman isn’t as involved about speaking about new bells and whistles contained in the constructing as he’s about speaking to stakeholders who use the ability and followers about their expertise.

“In equity, I need to get to know the purchasers and perceive how the constructing works,’’ Schurman mentioned. “I need to make sure that no matter we’ve got right here is maximized.’’

Schurman mentioned he intends on spending a variety of time on the rink, participating with stakeholders, whether or not it’s individuals attending the QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders video games or a recreation hockey recreation.

“If somebody on the market feels that we are able to do one thing higher, we’re all ears,’’ he mentioned.

Schurman is asking individuals to contact him at anytime.

He will be reached at 902-629-6618 or by electronic mail at [email protected].

His resume

Following is a pattern of Invoice Schurman’s earlier work expertise:

• Director of recreation companies, Lunenburg, N.S.; director of recreation and group growth, Amherst, N.S.; normal supervisor, Summerside Chamber of Commerce; administration guide, Summerside Storm, Nationwide Basketball League; normal supervisor, Credit score Union Place, Summerside; normal supervisor, Moncton’s four-ice centre; main occasion co-ordinator, P.E.I. Division of Tourism; director of group service and public relations, Metropolis of Summerside; recreation director and area supervisor, Bedeque Space Recreation Fee.

• Athletic director, UPEI.

• President and governor, Lewiston Maineiacs, QMJHL.

• Common supervisor, Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL.

• Chairman, Memorial Cup, 2006.

In management

Following is the record of normal managers at Eastlink Centre:

• Billy Mulligan

• Dave McGrath

• Stu Dunn

• Jennifer Shebib

• Invoice Schurman