Shane Churla

(June 24, 1965 —)

From Fernie, B.C., he got into scouting in 2000 with the Phoenix Coyotes. Spent five seasons there then worked eight seasons (2005-13) with the Dallas Stars. . . . Joined the Montreal Canadiens as head amateur scout in 2013. Was director of amateur scouting when he signed in 2020 with the Florida Panthers as their director of amateur scouting. . . . Won 2024 Stanley Cup with Panthers. . . . A sixth-round selection by the Hartford Whalers (1985), he split 488 games over 11 seasons — 26 goals, 71 points, 2,301 penalty minutes — between them, Calgary Flames, Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers. . . . Emile Francis, then Hartford’s general manager, said Churla had the “guts of a slaughterhouse.” . . . A knee injury resulted in his retirement after he spent 1996-97 with Rangers. . . . Cousin to former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien.