Thunderbirds announce 2012-13 coaching staff

Press Release

Sault Ste. Marie, ON – The Soo Thunderbirds have announced its coaching lineup for the upcoming Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League season. Warren Lavoy, an assistant coach with the team for the past two years, was elevated to the top coaching spot.

“Warren has been a big part of our success over the past couple of seasons,” said general manager Kevin Cain, whose team took home the 2011-12 league, playoff and provincial (Dudley-Hewitt Cup) championships, the best finish in franchise history. “With his experience behind the bench, along with his leadership skills and solid rapport with players and staff, we look forward to continuing this success.”

Meanwhile, Dennis Bolton will be an assistant coach with the Thunderbirds this upcoming campaign. He spent the past four years as an assistant with Michigan’s Soo Eagles, who have since left the NOJHL to join the North American Hockey League.

“Dennis has an in-depth knowledge of the NOJHL and will be a huge asset for our organization,” said Cain. “He’s well respected throughout the league and a great addition to our staff.”

Finally, Billy Thompson, a former netminder for the Soo Greyhounds, is the new goaltending coach for the Thunderbirds.

The team had a number of solid applicants for the positions and plans on adding another assistant coach to the lineup in the near future, said Cain.

More information on the Thunderbirds is available online at www.tbirdhockey.ca.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)