The Bonnyville Pontiacs continue to launch into a new era.
After reinvigorating the day-to-day operations this off-season, the Bonnyville Pontiacs are excited to announce new leadership in the President’s role, while congratulating the exemplary work done by staples of our franchise and community.
Following the Pontiacs AGM in July, Corey Wandler is officially the president of the Bonnyville Pontiacs.
He is taking the reins from Ron Rusnak, who has spent multiple terms on the board in various capacities.
“I felt that the time was now to jump into this position: to lead our board members and work alongside our employees to continue to grow the organization,” Wandler said.
Wandler is heavily involved in the Bonnyville hockey community. He is the head coach of the Bonnyville Sr. Pontiacs while also sitting as the U9 Director within the Bonnyville Minor Hockey Association.
With first-hand experience on the board for four seasons, he is excited to begin in the president position, as the organization has retooled for success.
“We have a lot of good things going on within the organization, both on and off the ice. We obviously want to put a winning product on the ice, and with our coaching staff and the support pieces that surround them, I have all the belief in our group and give our fan base a winning team here in the AJHL,” said Wandler.
“We’ve done a good job off the ice being present in the community with a number of great events we host every year, and how much our players get involved, not only in town, but also in the surrounding area.”
From 2018-2025, Ron Rusnak has been at the helm as president. But his affiliation with the Bonnyville Pontiacs started over two decades ago.
He originally got involved in 1997, when he began as a director. Over the next three years, he gained experience as treasurer and vice-president.
That treasurer experience came in handy when he returned to the board in 2006 and fulfilled that position until 2014.
Then, during the season in 2018, Rusnak re-joined the board – this time as president. The Pontiacs thank Rusnak for all his many years of contributions to the organization.
He will continue to serve in this transition year as the Pontiacs’ governor on the AJHL Board of Governors.
“I feel confident in turning over the reins of the organization to Corey Wandler, our new President. I decided to stay on for one more year as director to help with the transition for the new President,” said Rusnak.
“I always strived to improve the Pontiacs organization each year I was on the board. I am confident that the new board and staff will continue the tradition of excellence and help the team achieve success.”
–
The Bonnyville Pontiacs would not be the organization they are today without the dedicated efforts of hundreds of people.
One person who is at the very top is Dennis Germain.
Germain has retired from the Junior A board – previously the vice-president – but his status as one of the franchise’s founding fathers will not be forgotten.
In 1991, Germain was part of the 3-man delegation (along with Ray Prevost and Rick Cabana) which presented the Bonnyville Pontiacs’ successful bid to the AJHL Board of Directors – giving life to the organization that has allowed hundreds of young hockey players to advance to collegiate and professional ranks.
This board of the Bonnyville Junior B Sabres, including Directors John Smith, Rose Smith, Rick Cabana and Roger L’Heureux, as well as Germain as President of the Sr. Pontiacs along with local businessmen Bill Byers and Mitch Sylvestre.
His tireless work with the Bonnyville Sr. Pontiacs since the early 1980s has showcased his passion for high-level hockey in the community.
It’s contributions like these that have helped make the Bonnyville Pontiacs one of the premier destinations to play Junior A hockey in all of Canada.
“The organization is back on track and financially healthy, with strong Board members, a highly motivated and dedicated front office staff and great coaching talent,” said Germain.
“With that in mind, I thought this was the right time to step back and let new people contribute their talents to making the organization even more successful. The only thing that eluded me in all my time with the Jr. ‘A’ Pontiacs was a League Championship, but I’m sure that will be resolved in the near future.
“It’s been a great ride and I wish the very best for the organization going forward. I’ll be in the stands at every game cheering the team on!
The Pontiacs thank Germain for being such a consistent presence within the franchise, on the Board in some capacity for 28 of the franchise’s 33 year history: including governor, president, vice-president, and treasurer.
Chase Tomlinson is now slotted as the team’s vice-president.
–
The puzzle pieces are in place. The Pontiacs’ executive and hockey operations are set to embark on a successful 2025-26 season and a return to form for our proud franchise.
“The hiring of Chad Mercier and the hard work he and his staff have done over the summer, it’s an exciting time,” said Wandler.
“Any player that plays for the Bonnyville Pontiacs is going to have an unbelievable experience. Not only will they get the development to prepare them for their next steps as a hockey player, but they will be a part of a great culture here in Bonnyville.”
President – Corey Wandler
Vice-President – Chase Tomlinson
VP of Operations – Neil Langridge
General Manager – Chad Nelson
Head Coach – Chad Mercier
Assistant Coach – Chad Carder
Assistant Coach/U13 AAA Yaks Coach – Chad Taylor
