Rangers GM McKenzie to return as head coach
KITCHENER —
In the end, the guy staring back in the mirror was the right person for the job.
So, Kitchener Rangers general manager Mike McKenzie ended his search for a new coach and announced Wednesday he was going to keep himself on as bench boss for the upcoming season, at the minimum.
“I think the timing just works out right now,” he said.
McKenzie took over coaching duties on an interim basis after firing Jay McKee in late November. At the time, the club, which saw itself as a contender in the Ontario Hockey League, was mired in a 2-9-1-0 stretch. The players responded to the change, going on a 33-6-3-0 run, and were third in the Western Conference when the schedule was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
McKenzie started looking for his replacement when the season was called off and even interviewed a few applicants before opting to return.
The precarious times certainly played a role in his decision.
“It’s a different world we live in now and everything is out of line,” said the 34-year-old. “The uncertainty of when we’re starting, and if we’re starting, and how long the season is, are all question marks that made things a little more difficult when looking to hire someone.”
The OHL still hasn’t announced a return-to-play date or protocol and the Rangers don’t have a clear picture on how any changes to the season might affect the club.
Moreover, the pool of coaching replacements is murky with several potential candidates in limbo as other hockey leagues remain idle, as well.
The tight-knit culture on East Avenue also helped McKenzie feel good about his decision.
“I think overall the alignment top to bottom in our organization is a big factor, too,” said the Whitby native.
“I think there is a buy-in from our whole staff. I think we share similar philosophies on what we’re trying to do and how we’re trying to play.”
New Rangers chief operating officer Joe Birch approved the move and was quick to point out that McKenzie is also coming off an impressive rookie campaign as head coach.
“He did an awesome job,” said Birch. “He was tremendous with the players and their individual development, the overall staff and team performance and everything else. It was just the right decision for everyone.”
McKenzie and the Rangers are keeping his coaching gig open ended for now. He’ll be behind the bench for at least this season and both sides will re-evaluate the job down the line.
Assistant coaches Dennis Wideman and Andreas Karlsson, goalie coach Kain Tisi and development coach Brandon Merli have all been asked to return as well.