Don Waddell was working as a scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins four years ago when he received a call from an old hockey friend.
It was Pete Karmanos, then the Carolina Hurricanes owner, ready to make an offer. Come work for the Hurricanes, Karmanos said. Be the president of Gale Force Sports & Entertainment, the Canes’ parent company., and run the business side.
“He’s the one who gave me the opportunity,” Waddell said Wednesday.
Four years later, Waddell has a dual responsibility. Tom Dundon, now the Canes’ majority owner, has named Waddell the team’s new general manager while also retaining his position as president.