Monday, February 13, 2023

For immediate release

VICTORIA, B.C. – The steady hand and sharp focus of a well-known photographer is now at the helm of the Victoria HarbourCats.

As the team celebrates its 10th anniversary, the HarbourCats are proud to announce that Christian Stewart has been elevated into the role of General Manager, effective immediately.

Jim Swanson, who has been the GM since September, remains in the daily active role of Managing Partner, with Chris Beveridge the Creative/On-Line Director, and John Pollard as Marketing Director. Curtis Pelletier, GM for the 2022 rebound-from-pandemic season, remains vital with the organization in roles of marketing, our Player’s Club youth programs and indoor facility, and Head Coach of the winter/spring collegiate Victoria Golden Tide.

The HarbourCats are also excited to announce Dave Garton as Assistant GM/Gameday Operations, and Cindy Kent will add even more fan-friendly aspects with her role as Host Family and Logistics Director. Tyler Green bridges the coaches/players and front office, and roster details, as Director of Player Personnel.

All will report to Swanson, and work side-by-side with Stewart.

“Christian has always been a great asset to the organization, known by many for his great work with our ticketing process and group sales, as well as team photography, but thanks to a past near 25-year career in government, environmental work, communications and consulting, has a keen business mind and has helped keep the ship going in the right direction through some difficult periods with recent global events,” said Swanson, who arrived as GM of the HarbourCats himself in the fall of 2013. “Christian’s belief and dedication to the HarbourCats dates back to the days before the team played its first game, when he was one of the very first employees hired, and he fully understands the program, and is tremendous in his interactions with our great fans and partners.”

Stewart, who grew up in Illinois, Indiana and Ontario, represented the HarbourCats organization at the WCL GM meetings recently in Portland.

“I’m excited to take more of a leadership role, and I’m thankful to our ownership group for their unwavering support even through the years we weren’t able to play,” said Stewart, well known and respected in the Victoria sports community through both his photography and past involvement in minor baseball and hockey. “No one can question our collective resolve. We’ve all had ideas on how to keep growing what we can do in this region, not just with our games and events but through what we do in the community and supporting others as we move forward.”

“The HarbourCats are fortunate to have the most devoted and enthusiastic fans in the West Coast League and in my new role, I will ensure that we continue to do our best to exceed their expectations,” added Stewart. “I want to make sure that all fans have the best possible experience when they come to the park.”

Stewart will continue to focus on various community partnerships, event planning, gameday operations, ticketing strategies, and merchandising programs, along with his top-notch photography and media relations acumen.

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The HarbourCats celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2023 and the season kicks off with the home opener against the Kamloops NorthPaws on Friday June 2, 2023.  Single game tickets for that game and all 31 HarbourCats home games in 2023 are now on sale and can be purchased on-line through our one-and-only ticketing partner, Select Your Tickets, at harbourcats.com/tickets.  They can also be purchased at the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or at the Select Your Tickets box office at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.  Fans can also call 778-265-0327 to order over the phone.

Season tickets and 10-game flex packs are also now on sale.  For details on all ticketing options, including our special $10.00 Tuesdays, Forces Fridays and Save-on-Food Vouchers, please visit harbourcats.com/ticketinfo.