Roadrunners Name Soetaert as General Manager
Arizona Coyotes Media Release
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – Arizona Coyotes General Manager John Chayka announced today that the Coyotes have named Doug Soetaert as the General Manager of the Tucson Roadrunners, the club’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.
Soetaert spent last season serving as the Coyotes’ Western professional scout after working in Europe as the Head Scout for Red Bull Hockey for two seasons. Soetaert was responsible for scouting all of Europe’s pro leagues, covering the American Hockey League and evaluating all possible free agents. He worked with Red Bull Munich (DEL) during the 2014-15 season and with Salzburg (Austrian Hockey League) in 2013-14.
“We are very pleased to add Doug as the General Manager of the Roadrunners,” said Chayka. “Doug has extensive experience as a general manager and is extremely knowledgeable. He is well-respected throughout the league and we are confident that he is an ideal fit for our team.”
From 2002-2012, Soetaert served as the Vice President and General Manager of the Everett Silvertips (WHL). Under his direction, Everett won three U.S. Division titles, a Western Conference championship and a Scotty Munro Trophy for the league’s best record. Soetaert left Everett during the 2005-06 season to join the Calgary Flames’ AHL affiliate in Omaha where he was the President of the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights and Assistant General Manager of the Calgary Flames. In addition, Soetaert served as the Executive Vice President for the Kansas City Blades (IHL) from 1990-2001. He served as the Blades head coach for the 1990-91 season. The Blades won the Turner Cup in 1991-92.
“This is a great opportunity for me to work with John Chayka and Dave Tippett in managing our new AHL team in Tucson,” said Soetaert. “Our focus in Tucson will be on development and winning and we are confident that our fans will enjoy watching our exciting and talented team. I also look forward to working alongside Head Coach Mark Lamb and Assistant Coach Mark Hardy who bring vast coaching experience to the organization.”
Soetaert, a native of Edmonton, Alta. played 12 seasons in the NHL with the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens. He appeared in 284 games and posted a record of 110-104-42 with a 3.97 goals against average. His 50 wins while in Winnipeg rank tied for the seventh most in Winnipeg/Arizona franchise history. Soetaert won a Stanley Cup as a member of the Canadiens in 1986. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the second round (30th overall) of the 1975 Entry Draft.