Head coach Gavin depart Voodoos

POWASSAN, Ont. — The Powassan Voodoos of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League will have a new head coach behind the bench when the 2020-21 hockey season begins.

The club has announced that Gavin is leaving his coaching position with the Voodoos to pursue a non-hockey related job opportunity.

“I am officially announcing that I will be stepping down as the head coach of the Powassan Voodoos,” said Gavin in a statement.

“I was recently offered a position outside of hockey and it is an opportunity that was too good to pass up for me and my family,” he added

“I want to ensure that everyone knows this decision has nothing to do with the Voodoos organization. They have been nothing but first class to me since I arrived, and I cannot thank them enough.

“Thank you to the entire Voodoos organization, the town of Powassan and the city of North Bay and everyone who has made me feel at home the past two seasons, from ownership, management, coaches, players, parents, fans and volunteers, thank you so much for all your time, efforts and support.

“I’m definitely going to miss the team and the great people who are involved. From the bottom of my heart thank you everyone, and I hope you are all staying safe through these uncertain times,” he continued.

Jim Bruce, Voodoos president, appreciates the time Gavin spent behind the Voodoos bench.

“All contracts expired at the end of May and with the uncertainly of a season start Max needed to look after his personal interests we thank him for his contributions and wish nothing but happiness with his recent engagement and career opportunity,” said Bruce.

Gavin spent two seasons guiding the Voodoos behind the bench where he amassed 78 wins and led the Voodoos to a 2019-20 regular-season championship with an impressive 45-9-1-1 record before the season was shut down in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gavin was also named the NOJHL second All-Star team head coach this past season.

“Max has been an honest, hard-working coach and I will certainly miss working with him,” offered Chris Dawson, the Voodoos general manager.

“We sincerely wish him the absolute best in his future endeavours and he was a true pleasure to work with.”

The Voodoos, who have assistant coaches Brent Tomlinson and Josh Dale returning, expect to have further signings and a coaching update in the near future.

The Voodoos are still waiting for more direction from Hockey Canada, the OHF and the NOJHL as to when the 2020-21 season is set to begin.