Former National Hockey League referee Stéphane Auger has become the new general manager of Hockey Quebec, the federation announced Wednesday.
Auger joined Hockey Quebec last December as director of refereeing, player safety and regulations, after spending four years with the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ).
Last spring, when Jocelyn Thibault announced he was leaving his position as general manager, Auger was named executive director of operations.
In a statement issued Wednesday morning, Hockey Quebec said that as the new general manager, Auger will be tasked with leading the 2024-2027 strategic planning.
“He will do everything he can to achieve the ambitious objectives aimed at modernizing and revitalizing Quebec hockey, while ensuring an inclusive and safe practice for all,” it said.
The Quebec federation’s board of directors, which was formed in June, used an external independent firm to make its choice. It recognized “the need for stability to ensure the change that has been initiated.”
“I am eager to lead the federation in achieving our objectives and, in doing so, contribute to the promotion and development of hockey at all levels,” said Auger, who refereed in the NHL from 1999 to 2012.
Thibault announced his resignation as general manager of Hockey Quebec in February, after serving in the role for two years. When explaining the reasons for his departure, he deplored the resistance to change from some local minor hockey bodies.