Rumour mill gives Hounds head start on new coach search

The formal process hasn’t started, but there is definitely interest.

The Soo Greyhounds are searching for a new head coach after the Toronto Maple Leafs announced the hiring of Sheldon Keefe to be the new coach of their American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, on Monday morning.

Keefe spent just under three seasons with the Greyhounds after being hired by former General Manager Kyle Dubas in December 2012 to replace Mike Stapleton.

Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis said Monday that interest in the position is high.

“We’re looking at different options right now,” said Raftis. “There were obviously a lot of rumours over the last couple of weeks and there were some individuals that reached out if there was a possible change to say that they would be interested.”

Raftis added there is an excitement in getting the process started.

“I’m looking forward to getting (the process) started myself and seeing who’s out there,” said Raftis. “It will be interesting who comes out, who is available and who is very interested in (the job).”

Asked whether current Associate Coach Joe Cirella or Assistant Coach A.J. MacLean will be in the running for the position, Raftis said “we have to consider every avenue.”

“It’s still very early obviously,” said Raftis. “We haven’t had any formal conversations with anybody about it at this point so we’ll have to evaluate as we go through it.”