Sault's Fortier gets new coaching gig

Sault Ste. Marie native Jason Fortier will be coaching a little closer to home this winter.

The 41-year-old was introduced on Thursday as the new associate coach of the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers.

“There’s a sense of excitement for sure,” Fortier said. “I’m extremely pleased to have the opportunity. It’s a storied franchise.”

Fortier said he spoke with the Rangers when the associate coach position became open after Jay McKee was promoted from the position to take over for Mike Van Ryn, who stepped down as head coach after the completion of the season.

The position was initially filled by Daniel Tkaczuk, who was an assistant coach last season with the team. Tkaczuk recently took a position with the St. Louis Blues to serve as an assistant coach with the organization’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.

Fortier called the process leading to the hiring a “pretty quick one.”

“When this opportunity came up, I sent them a resume to let them know I was interested,” Fortier said. “I spoke to Jay and to (General Manager) Murray (Hiebert).

“We got to meet and hang out to see if it was a good fit and we agreed that it would be,” Fortier added. “When they made the offer I was thrilled.”

Fortier spent last season with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies as an assistant coach. The team went on to win the QMJHL title before losing in overtime in the Memorial Cup final to the London Knights.

The Rangers open training camp in late August.