Vancouver Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson has now filled his former role in the organization.

On Thursday evening, Johnson announced the hire of Richard Seeley as General Manager of the Abbotsford Canucks, and Assistant General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks.

Here is what Johnson had to say regarding Seeley in the Canucks’ press release:

“Rich is someone I have admired and respected for a long time, after watching him run the Kings AHL team in Ontario,” said Johnson. “Besides knowing the game of hockey inside and out, he is a great communicator, goes to work every day with an open mind and sets his players up for success by creating an environment that tries to eliminate any excuse that would stop them from making progress. Rich understands our values and vision, and I believe his mindset and mentality will fit in nicely with what we are trying to establish with our organization in both Abbotsford and Vancouver.”

Seeley, 47, has been serving as the general manager of the Los Angeles Kings’ AHL affiliate, Ontario Reign, for the previous eight years. In his first season as GM, Seeley led the Reign to a 44-19-4-1 record and a Pacific Division title. Under his leadership, the Reign has made the Calder Cup playoffs in each of his eight seasons, and capped it off with a 47-20-3-2 record this season, along with a second Pacific Division title.

In his playing days, Seeley was drafted in the sixth round (137th overall) of the 1999 NHL draft by the Kings. He never did make his mark in the NHL. Still, after playing three seasons in the WHL, Seeley spent five years in the AHL, accumulating 20 goals and 61 assists for 81 points in 399 games between the Lowell Lock Monsters, Manchester Monarchs, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and Norfolk Admirals. Seeley’s leadership was apparent, serving as captain for the Monarchs – for two separate stints – and the Sound Tigers. He would then take his talents overseas, playing for four more seasons between the German and Austrian Leagues.

The Powell River, BC, native will now fill the role that Johnson held for the previous two years, serving as GM of the AHL affiliate and AGM for the NHL team. Seeley joins Emilie Castonguay and Cammi Granato as assistants to Johnson.