LEWISTON – Add another familiar name to the list of new Lewiston Maineiacs staffers.

Alain Chaput, whose two sons – Stefan and Michael – have laced up their skates for the Maineiacs, will serve as the team’s new governor, effective immediately.

“We are thrilled that Alain has accepted the post of Governor,” Maineiacs’ majority owner and president Mark Just said in a news release Tuesday. “Alain has deep connections within the hockey community that will be useful in advancing our causes. He will be an advocate for the Maineiacs at the Board of Governors meetings in Montreal.”

Chaput’s familiarity with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League began more than 30 years ago, when he played in the league for four years. His first team was the original incarnation of the Sherbrooke Castors, now the Rimouski Oceanic. he then played three seasons for the Sorel Eperviers, which has since relocated to Cape Breton, via Granby.

More recently, Chaput’s sons played with the Maineiacs.

Stefan Chaput completed his QMJHL career in 2008, and was a key piece of the Lewiston team that went to the Memorial Cup as QMJHL champion in 2007. Michael, his younger brother, skated last season as a 16-year-old for the Maineiacs, but left after suffering an injury that required surgery and rehabilitation.

“I have been a part of the Lewiston family for 4 years now,” Alain Chaput said in the team’s release. “I have talked to the fans. They are passionate people who are very proud of their Maineiacs. I am determined to help Mr. Just and Coach MacAdam turn this team around, and keep it in Lewiston for the long term.”

Chaput begins his new role as governor this week. He will attend his first league meeting as Lewiston’s governor on Thursday in Montreal.