Colin Priestner (born January 8, 1984) is a Canadian hockey executive, singer/songwriter, and athlete.
Colin Priestner | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Colin Priestner |
| Born | January 8, 1984 London, Ontario, Canada |
| Genres | Rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, musician, athlete |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Labels | Independent |
| Website | www.twitter.com/colinpriestner |
Career
editColin is part-owner, Managing Partner and General Manager of the Saskatoon Blades Hockey Club of the Western Hockey League.[1][2][3]
Music
editPriestner's first record, Blatant Hypocrite, was independently released in 2005.[4] It was followed in November 2006 with God and Wall Street. Despite critical acclaim and airplay in Canada, the album had little commercial success. In the fall of 2006, Priestner toured with Dan Bern during Bern's "Breathe" tour, [5]
Following the disappointing sales of God and Wall Street, Priestner abandoned his music career and began working as a car salesman. After four years, during which time he became the Vice President of Norden Volkswagen Volkswagen, Priestner wrote and starred in "Shit Edmontonians Say," a parody video that spoofed Edmonton, Alberta.[6] It went viral and generated over 300,000 views in 24 hours.[7] The video, which featured cameos from Edmonton Oilers Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as well as other local celebrities, was featured on the front page of the Edmonton Sun and received significant coverage in other media, including regional news programs. and new programs throughout the month.[8]
Buoyed by the success of "Shit Edmontonians Say", Priestner returned to the stage in 2012 to perform at the Royal Alberta Museum Theatre. Soon after that, he left his job and began work on a new album. It will be recorded in Vancouver with Grammy award winning producer Chin Injeti, the album is due for release in 2014.[9][10]
Tennis
editPriestner was a top ranked junior tennis player, placed 5th in the Men's Open in Alberta, and was a participant in the Canadian National Junior Tennis Championships in 2000 and 2002. In 2002, he received a tennis scholarship to Eastern Illinois University, a Division 1 NCAA school.[11] He played competitively for the Panthers for two years.
Hockey Management
editPriestner was appointed the Blades general manager in 2016, prior to being elevated to both president and general manager in April 2019.[12] The Blades have posted a record of 294-166-31-12 under his leadership as of 2024.
Personal life
editPriestner's father, Mike Priestner, was a former WHL goaltender and is the majority owner of the Saskatoon Blades Hockey Club;[13] his aunt, Cathy Priestner-Allinger won a silver medal in the 1976 Winter Olympics in speed skating and was the Director of Sport for the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games.[14] Colin married his long-time girlfriend Alanna Bateup on June 22, 2013, in Vancouver.[15]
References
edit- ^ Nugent-Bowman, Daniel. "Blades to adopt new approach". Saskatoon Star-Phoenix.
- ^ Haskins, Jack. "Mike Priestner takes over as Blades Owner". Global Edmonton.
- ^ Modjeski, Morgan. "Saskatoon Blades welcome new hockey honcho". Metro. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ^ Gordon, Cameron. "Soul Shine". Soul Shine Magazine. Retrieved February 23, 2005.
- ^ Sandor, Steven. "Distant Replay". Vue Weekly. Archived from the original on October 8, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2006.
- ^ Priestner, Colin. "Shit Edmontonians Say". YouTube. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
- ^ Sun, Edmonton. "Shit Edmontonians Say Takes Off". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
- ^ CBC. "Video lampoons Edmonton's love-hate relationship with itself". CBC. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
- ^ Sperounes, Sandra. "Singer-songwriters Dan Bern and Colin Priestner Duke it Out". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
- ^ Sperounes, Sandra. "Priestner revved up again". Edmonton Journal. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
- ^ Go, Marquette. "Marquette Drops Close Match to Eastern Illinois University". Marquette University. Retrieved February 1, 2003.
- ^ Blades Announce Changes To Business Staff
- ^ Mitchell, Kevin. "Brodsky says goodbye, as Priestner says hello". Saskatoon Star Phoenix.
- ^ Globe and Mail, The (November 21, 2010). "Russia recruiting Canada's Own the Podium experts". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved December 29, 2010.
- ^ Hall, Jamie. "Groom keeps his bride surprised – and in stitches". Edmonton Journal.