Sudbury Wolves head coach steps down

The Sudbury Wolves announced Thursday that head coach Ken MacKenzie is stepping down.

MacKenzie stepped in last year when his son, former NHLer Derek MacKenzie, resigned to take an assistant coaching job in the NHL with the Nashville Predators.

With the elder MacKenzie behind the bench, the Wolves finished the regular season at 38-23-4 before being swept in the second round of the playoffs by the North Bay Battalion.

"This year has been extraordinary, and I'm deeply grateful to the players and our entire coaching and training staff for their steady dedication day in and day out,” Ken MacKenzie said in the news release Thursday announcing his decision.

“I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our incredible fans whose energy and passion electrified every game."

MacKenzie also thanked his wife and family for their support, adding he was looking forward to spending more time with them.

General manager Rob Papineau praised MacKenzie in the release, calling him “a first-class individual and a true hockey man.”

“His leadership, professionalism and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in all areas of our organization,” Papineau said.

“We are immensely grateful for all his contributions."

Wolves owner Dario Zulich said MacKenzie made a lasting impression on the team.

“We want to express our sincere appreciation for his hard work, dedication and professionalism,” Zulich said.

“As we move forward, we will always lean on Ken as a trusted adviser and friend.”

The team will now begin its search for the next head coach, the release said.

Sudbury Wolves season memberships are on sale now for the upcoming season with the early bird renewal deadline quickly approaching.

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For more information, contact the Sudbury Arena box office at 705-671-3000, call the Wolves ticketing representatives at 705-675-3941, ext. 2008, or email at [e-mail].

For more information about all the 2024-25 season memberships, click here.

For more information visit sudburywolves.com.