(Submitted photo/Brennan Hall, Carrot River Outback Thunder)

By Ben Tompkins

Head Coach Wanted

Carrot River Outback Thunder in need of new head coach after Holoien steps down

Sep 28, 2021 | 2:53 PM

The Carrot River Outback Thunder of the Prairie Junior Hockey League (PJHL) are currently seeking a new head coach for their upcoming season after their former head coach Rob Holoien stepped down due to personal reasons.

Carrot River’s regular season kicks off Friday against the Royals in Saskatoon. This seems to leave very little time for the team to find a new coach, however, according to their General Manager, Brennan Hall, their deadline is Oct. 10.

In the meantime, Holoien will maintain the reign until a new coach is hired or until they reach their set deadline.

When asked about what exactly the team was looking for in a new bench boss, Hall said they were looking for a guy with experience.

“We want someone familiar with the game that can think the game well and can give 20 young adults, the guidance they need, both on and off the ice,” he said. “We’re also hoping to get someone in the northeast area or someone who would be willing to relocate here.”

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Without a doubt, Hall knows that it will be a tough task to replace Holoien, especially considering how short of a period of time they have to find a replacement, and how late in the year it is. Regardless of the situation, Hall had some very high praise for his former bench boss.

“The way Rob was running the team was amazing,” Hall said. “Our entire staff was beyond impressed and ecstatic to get the regular season going with him at the helm. The structure and morals and everything that he brought to this organization were phenomenal.”

Hall gave a lot of credit to Holoien, as well as everyone else involved with the club for making it what it is today.

“I really like where we’re going with this organization. Three years ago when I came in, the Thunder was at rock bottom and we worked tirelessly, the entire board and staff and community. We put some faith in and we did a really good job turning things around,” Hall said.

“We got a really good core of 20-year olds, that we’ve had since the 2019-20 season. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this group. Whoever we get in here next, I think is going to be very happy with the things we’ve done and the way this team can possibly be at the top of the league this year.”

Hall explained high expectations from the leader of this group won’t change, regardless of the coaching change.

“With having Rob as our coach to start the year, we had a lot of high expectations, which of course included playoffs,” Hall said. “We still have exactly the same expectations with whoever we bring in next.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @BenTompkins_8