Kingston Frontenacs are optimistic general manager Larry Mavety will make a full recovery and return to his job after undergoing heart surgery Wednesday.

“There is no reason not to think (Mavety will return),” Doug Springer, the owner of the Ontario Hockey League team, said yesterday.

“Everyone's a little different, but he's doing better than most right after the surgery. That's encouraging, but not surprising with Mav.

“In a period of time, hopefully within a month or so, he'll be back in the office.”

While Mavety, 67, is recovering, head coach Doug Gilmour will serve as the team's GM, though there is a roster freeze until Aug. 1.

There is hope Mavety will be able to leave hospital within a week.

Mavety, who began his second stint with the Kingston organization in 1997 and has been GM or coach of the Frontenacs since then, was admitted to hospital Saturday after experiencing heart pains.

“At this point of time, he's doing very well and the news is very positive,” Gilmour said.

“My dad (Don) went through the same thing (heart surgery) a few years ago and he's doing great now. You know Mav, he's a fighter.”

Gilmour visited Mavety, one of his junior coaches, in hospital before the surgery.

“I told him, 'You brought me here (as coach last November), you started this with me and we're going to finish it together,'” Gilmour said.

Well-wishes have been rolling in from around junior hockey. Ontario Hockey League commissioner David Branch spoke with Mavety's wife, Brenda, before the surgery to get an update on the long-time hockey man.

“I've worked with Mav for, my goodness, almost 30 years and he's always been such a great league person,” Branch said.

“He cares about the game and cares about the people and he's been instrumental over the years in allowing our league to maintain its position as the No. 1 development league in the world. What really stands out is the tremendous work he has done for the collective good of the league.”

Branch said there is no one more beloved in the league than Mavety.

“As gruff an appearance as he gives off, he's (really) a big teddy bear. He's always quick to support our league, so now we want to take this opportunity to repay him and make sure he knows how much we care about him.”

Gilmour said there remains some work to be done on the roster before training camp starts Aug. 24. Gilmour said he will be responsible for executing any moves, though he will not hesitate to call Mavety if the GM is healthy.

“If any calls come through (from the league or other teams), they'll be dealing with me,” Gilmour said. “We've got a plan together, we've got a little work to do still, but most of the team is pretty much set.

“(Mavety) will be around if anything comes through.”

Springer said there was no doubt he'd hand the GM reins to Gilmour after learning of Mavety's condition.

“They have been working really close together since (Gilmour) got here,” Springer said. “Everything will continue to run smoothly (with Gilmour in the GM role).

“We're all very much wishing (Mavety) a speedy recovery. Whatever the timeframe is, it is.”

Article Courtesy: Mike Koreen The Whig Standard