New Norfolk Admirals General Manager Mike Butters has a rather interesting pedigree. From the Manitoba Bisons, to Hollywood, to the Helena Bighorns to the AHL. Butters, a friend of Oren Koules, has taken over as GM in Norfolk after learning the hockey business in Helena, Montana.

Taking over the helm of an AHL team — the 42-year-old was named GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s farm team, the Norfolk Admirals, last month — isn’t something he really planned.

“As a kid I always wanted to win a Stanley Cup and win an Academy Award,” he said. “I haven’t got to either one, yet.”

No, but he’s one step away from the best league in hockey. And to think, he’s here, in part, thanks to his connections in the movie biz.

It was while Butters was playing the struggling-actor role in Los Angeles that he met a fellow hockey and movie nut named Oren Koules.

Koules was a film producer, his credits including the Saw horror franchise, and the two hit it off.

Butters wound up with bit parts in Saw and some of its sequels (including Saw V, which comes out in October), and a not-so-bit part with Koules’s new hockey toy, the Junior A Helena Bighorns.

I am interested to see how Butters does in Norfolk. Having watched an AHL operation up close, the GM is often a very busy guy. Maybe Butters’ unique perspective will pay dividends?

Kyle Kosior

Share
Published by
Kyle Kosior

Recent Posts

Winnipeg Jets Practice Report

Quick practice in Winnipeg before they head to Toronto.

8 hours ago

Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Keeping you up-to-date with all the latest pro hockey news in Manitoba.

22 hours ago

Winnipeg Jets activate David Gustafsson from IR

The Jets have an extra forward with the Gus Bus out of the shop and…

1 day ago