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The Elliot Lake Wildcats Junior A hockey team will now be known as the Elliot Lake Red Wings following a major reorganization announced this morning.
“The Elliot Lake Junior Hockey organization has announced major changes for the team for the upcoming 2021/2022 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) season. Foremost amongst these are the hiring of a management company to look after team operations and a re-branding of the team to the ‘Elliot Lake Red Wings’. In keeping with the Original Six theme, the team’s new colours will be red and white,” announced at a virtual press conference via Zoom early today.
Board member William Elliott told reporters the team is in discussions with the city about an outstanding $50,000 loan to pay it back and he noted the original loan was for $100,000. All other accounts have been repaid.
“It’s is the residual $50,000 that has to be dealt with,” he added.
“As an organization, we are very excited to bring Paul Noad and his organization on board to manage our operations for the upcoming season. Noad has a wealth of hockey experience both as a player and in management, and the team will also benefit from his extensive business background,” President Len Kutchaw said in announcing changes the team will have for the upcoming season.
“Last year we took a one-year leave of absence from the league due to COVID; it was a difficult decision to make, but we felt it was in the best interest of the players, the parents, the fans and the organization,” Kutchaw added. “Coming back this year we felt it was important that we give the team a fresh start.”
Along with the new management team, Kutchaw also announced the appointment of a new General Manager, John Buchanan, and a new Head Coach, Brian Noad. Both Buchanan and Noad are seasoned hockey operators.
“We believe the citizens of Elliot Lake and the League are going to be very impressed with this season’s on-ice product. Our hockey program is designed to be competitive and provide fans the best ‘hockey night in Elliot Lake’ possible. At the same time, we want to ensure that our players have a rewarding Red Wings experience, and have a clear path for development, growth and advancement,” Kutchaw said.
Kutchaw said he has received many emails from potential players interested in playing in the Elliot Lake program. He is confident with the rollout of vaccines the organization confident there has been “turned the corner to provide a safe environment” that will allow for hockey to move ahead and fans to attend games safely.
Paul Noad said the team is hoping to set up a training camp in June or July depending on the status of COVID-19 restrictions.
Elliott said the team will follow any restriction protocols as determine with the new season moving ahead.
In an email, NOJHL commissioner Robert Mazzuca lauded the efforts of the franchise in their restructuring.
“Kudos to the entire Elliot Lake franchise on their rebranding as part of their return to the league,” Mazzuca said.
“Persevering through a very difficult time, which we all continue to deal with on a daily basis, many thanks go to Len Kutchaw and their entire organization. We look forward to seeing the Red Wings in action in the months ahead,” the commissioner added.
Season tickets are now on sale through the team’s website.
There is currently an ‘early bird’ discount available. The team plans to have a try-out camp as soon as circumstances allow, as there has already been considerable player interest in the revamped organization.
Individuals interested in contacting the team can use the information below:
- General Inquiries: [email protected] or 705-885-0199
- Player Inquiries: [email protected]
- Billet Parent Inquiries: [email protected] (Darla Hennessey)
- Education Coordinator: [email protected]
- Sponsorship Inquires: [email protected]
- Volunteer Opportunities: [email protected] (Len Kutchaw)
- Coach Noad: [email protected]