On September 2, Kelly Kisio became #VegasIsHockey's most recent hire when he joined the organization as a professional scout.
Before September 2, Kisio, 56, held many other roles during his four decades in hockey. Most recently, he was the President of Hockey Operations and Alternate Governor of the Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitmen. Before that, he had been everything from an NHL captain to a veteran presence for a prior NHL expansion team, as well as an NHL All-Star. RELATED: Get tickets to see the Golden Knights Here are six fun facts to help you get to know Kisio better.
1. Kisio had worked for the Calgary Hitmen for the past 18 years.
The Hitmen are a junior team in the Western Hockey League, who were named after local wrestling legend Bret "Hitman" Hart, an original team owner.
2. The Hitmen won two WHL championships under Kisio's watch.
The most famous active NHL player to play for Kisio's Hitmen is Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf. Karl Alzner (Washington), Andrew Ladd (NY Islanders), Johnny Boychuk (NY Islanders) and Martin Jones (San Jose) are other notable Hitmen graduates.
3. Kisio's Hitmen are known for their holiday Teddy Bear tosses.
4. Las Vegas is the second NHL expansion team that Kisio will be a part of.
He was an original member of the San Jose Sharks in 1991-92, and represented that club at the 1993 NHL All-Star Game, when he tied his career high with 78 points.
5. Before joining San Jose, Kisio spent five seasons with the New York Rangers.
With the Rangers, Kisio wore No. 11 and served as team captain. His run as Rangers captain immediately preceded that of Mark Messier, who would later immortalize himself in hockey history as Rangers captain, also wearing No. 11.
6. Kisio has strong ties to our team.
In 1982-83, he and Las Vegas Senior Vice President Murray Craven were both rookies on the Detroit Red Wings. Kisio later became teammates with Las Vegas general manager George McPhee with the New York Rangers.
7. Has two sons that are carving their own niches in hockey.
One son, Brent, is the coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, a rival of the Hitmen in the WHL. Another son, Kurtis, briefly played in the minor leagues in 2007-08.
