Francis talked privately with attendees for the opening half-hour of the event, getting to know folks and hearing about concerns and exchanging ideas for growth.
"I was talking with some gentlemen earlier," said Francis during a question-and-answer presentation on stage. "I heard lots of kids [local hockey players] get to a certain age level, then they leave town [to pursue further development as potential college and pro players].
"You want to have those programs here and keep those kids in town. We can develop right here [in the Pacific Northwest]. Hopefully, we can find ways to work together on that."
For his part, Francis is just as focused on players at every level enjoying the sport as players. He emphasized practice as the time to cement the joy and passion and skills development.
"In a game, if coaches are doing their jobs, a player touches the puck for maybe five minutes total," explained Francis. "In practice, if coaches doing their jobs, every player touches the puck for 45 minutes. You tell me where those kids are going to get better."
"If we put kids first, develop their talents [and love the game], it's amazing to see the strides they can make."
Francis has first-hand experience all levels of hockey to make his case-something that attracted NHL Seattle CEO Tod Leiweke and ownership to name Francis as the first GM. Along with playing for his hometown elite Junior A Sault St. Marie Greyhounds as an amateur, Francis played, coached and work his way to the general manager role for the Carolina Hurricanes.