Mr. 1985-1986 (Warren Rychel)

Photo courtesy - Dave Jewell

The majority of Windsor Spitfires fans will tell you general manager and part owner Warren Rychel, is not only a brilliant businessman and incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to hockey, but he is also one of the most fan-friendly GMs around, and an all-around great guy. After having the chance to talk to Warren for a bit, I have to say I agree with them.

I caught up with Warren in the J. Benson Cartage Centre basement before his Spits squared off against our 67's on December 2nd. One of the first things that stood out was Warren's relationship with his players. He seems to have a father-son bond with them and takes pride in teaching life lessons to his players, on top of helping them excel on the ice. As the players were warming up, one could be heard loudly singing along to his music. Warren excused himself and went over to talk to the player, letting him know to keep it down. The way he did so made it clear he isn't in this position for the money or any other superficial reason, but because he truly enjoys the sport of hockey, and enjoys playing a role in raising young players and turning them into outstanding young men.

Warren threw on his first barberpole jersey midway through the 85-86 season after a trade landed him in the Nation's Capital from the Guelph Platers. While Warren was excited about the chance to play more minutes, it was a bittersweet moment when the Guelph Platers went on to win the Memorial Cup without him that season. He played half of the 86-87 season here as well before being shipped off to the Kitchener Rangers, where he would finish his OHL career. Despite only playing 57 games in Ottawa, he continues to carry fond memories and valuable lessons from his time spent here. 

"It was great. I really liked it. Just a great atmosphere, great fans, great city to play in, great high school. Just a great life experience, especially for the teenage boy I was at the time." he says. While some players hate the long bus trips, Warren explained they are some of his fondest memories, getting to spend time with the whole team and Brian Kilrea for so long. He also admits, with a smirk, that he is now a fan of most of Anne Murray's songs thanks to the long bus rides all over the league. 

Despite not being drafted, Warren did go on to play in the NHL. An achievement, he explains, is all thanks to Brian Kilrea. "I came to training camp here and didn't get signed. Brian Kilrea called his friend and I went to camp (in Chicago) and ended up signing in training camp, which is really nice. I was very fortunate because I wasn't drafted, but Brian recognized that I was playing well and got me there."

Warren also played in Los Angeles, Toronto, Colorado and Anaheim. "The best experience was probably Colorado in 1996, the first year the team was there. They moved from Quebec City and we won the Stanley Cup." he fondly remembers, then adds "My second son was born there, Maddox. It was a great experience." His first son, Kerby (currently playing for the Spits) was born during Warren's time with the L.A. Kings. As for winning the Stanley Cup, he tells me "You dream of it when you're a kid. But a lot of hard work goes into it. It was great. It's something that nobody can take away from you. It's pretty special." An obviously very family-oriented man, he was happy his wife and parents were present to share that special moment with him too.

After his NHL career ended, Warren owned a car dealership in Chatham Ontario and scouted for the Phoenix Coyotes for a few years before he and longtime friend Bob Boughner decided to buy their hometown Spits. "The lockout year, Bob and I were sitting in the old Windsor arena and we saw what was happening in London with Mark and Dale (Hunter) and we said 'Jeez, wouldn't it be great to do kinda the same thing here?' So we really pressed the owner to sell it to us. Eventually it came to fruition and it was awesome. It's been really fun." he tells me.

Warren feels his GM position is exactly where he should be, as he explains "I have no desire to go on the bench. Everyone's doing their thing, contributing to the team. I enjoy being general manager, and Bob enjoys being coach. I think that's why we're a good team here." and he's right, they are a good team. The Spitfires, not only on the ice, but as a club in general, have done nothing but improve since they took over, winning back to back Memorial Cups in 2009 and 2010, and becoming a top CHL franchise after some past struggles. When asked what the secret is, Warren says "We've been lucky, but hard work and determination. That doesn't only go for the players on the ice, that's the coaching staff, general manager and scouts."

Despite being part of the rival Spitfires now, it's impossible not to enjoy listening to Warren's stories. Spits fans are certainly onto something. He is most definitely a brilliant, caring man who knows what's best for fans and players alike, and we can just be honored he credits some of his knowledge today, to his time spent with Brian Kilrea and the 67's in just 57 games, over 20 years ago.

 Five things you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask...
Q. Favourite ice cream?
A. Pralines and cream.

Q. What do you spend way too much money on?
A. Coffee.

Q. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?
A. Red. 

Q. What's your dream car?
A. Mercedes 500.

Q. Biggest phobia?
A. To not do well.