When the 2016-17 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League season opens, a familiar face won't be with the Soo Thunderbirds.
Jamie Henderson, who served as the Thunderbirds general manager last season, has stepped down from the role.
“Today I am officially stepping down as general manager of the Soo Thunderbirds hockey club,” said Henderson in a prepared statement. “With the team being sold to a new group recently, I have decided it would be a good time to step aside.”
The team is now currently under the ownership of the group that runs The Tech.
Former Soo Greyhounds coach Denny Lambert is involved with The Tech as director of hockey operations.
For Henderson it ends five years with the organization in various roles. Prior to serving as general manager, Henderson was assistant general manager for two seasons.
He also served as an assistant coach with the team for two seasons from 2010 to 2012.
“I have given much of my time to this organization for much of the past five years and I have been very fortunate to form some great friendships with those involved and especially the players who have given so much to this team and city,” Henderson said. “I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of two RBC Cup teams and am especially proud to be part of the first ever team in 2012.”
The team is also looking for assistant coaches as Kyle Brick is taking over as head coach of the Blind River Beavers while Jeremy Rebek has been named the head coach of the Soo (Mich.) Indians AAA team.