Photo - Plymouth scouts have a long history of finding talent in the late rounds of the OHL Priority Selection. Whalers defenseman Colin MacDoanld was taken by Plymouth in the 14th round (270th overall) of the 2008 OHL Draft.

PLYMOUTH – Plymouth Whalers General Manager and Head Coach Mike Vellucci announced the hiring of Jim Debenham and Norm Robert to the Whalers’ scouting staff.

Debenham, in a sense, is coming home to Plymouth.  He worked as the Whalers Director of Scouting from 2002-09 before moving to Sarnia in the same position over the past three seasons.  Robert worked in Peterborough as a scout from 1996-2010 before moving to Sudbury as the Wolves’ scouting director for the past two seasons.

“We welcome Jim back,” said Vellucci. “He brings a lot of experience and he already knows what kind of player we want to play Whaler Hockey. Norm has a ton of experience in the Toronto area. I look forward to getting to know him and work with him.”

Debenham and Robert worked for the Central Scouting Bureau before moving on to Ontario Hockey League. 

The Whalers finished 47-18-2-1 last season, winning their 10^th West Division title in 22 years while making the OHL playoffs for the 21^st consecutive season.  Plymouth should be in the thick of the Western Conference race again in 2012-13.

Plymouth opens up training camp during the last week in August.  The Whalers play their first preseason game on Sat. Sept. 1 at 7 pm against Windsor at Yack Arena in Wyandotte.  Plymouth’s home opener is Sat. Sept. 22 at 7:05 pm at Compuware Arena against Belleville.

Tickets for all Plymouth Whalers game can be purchased by calling Compuware Arena at (734) 453-8400.