Cain is an able manager
Never far away from the game that is his passion, one of the most successful general managers to ever operate within the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League is working on a new gig, this time at the Great North Midget Hockey League level.
Kevin Cain, who was part of six NOJHL and Dudley-Hewitt Cup championship teams between 2007 and 2016 — five with the Soo Thunderbirds and one with the erstwhile Michigan Soo Indians — will manage the new Sault Ste. Marie minor midget entry in the Great North loop.
The Soo minor midgets are slated to join the existing, hometown Soo Greyhounds major midgets to make up what will be a nine-team Great North effective the 2017-2018 season.
The 49-year old Cain — he turns 50 in August — will manage the first-year Soo minor midget squad that will be coached by his old Thunderbirds sidekick of multiple NOJHL titles, Jamie Henderson.
Cain, a Canada Post employee who also works as an advisor for JDM Sports Management, said he jumped at the offer from Henderson to help out with the new Soo minor midgets.
“I’m just trying to help Jamie resurrect the program and give players an opportunity to play within their age group and help develop as many players as we can,” the ever-humble Cain told HockeyNewsNorth.com.
His lengthy association with the NOJHL Thunderbirds ended prior to the start of the 2016-2017 campaign when new ownership — in what can be termed an ill-advised move — told both Cain and Henderson that their volunteer services would no longer be required.
Coincidence or not, without Cain overseeing hockey operations and Henderson as his right-hand man, the Thunderbirds went from two-time reigning NOJHL champions to losing in the first round of this spring’s playoffs.
The first-round playoff exit by the Thunderbirds — who finished atop the West Division during the regular season — carried some extra sting as they were swept in four straight games by the cross-river, no. 4 seed Michigan Soo Eagles.
All of that aside, this looms as a deserving, good news story with the able Cain back in the team management business with the new Soo minor midgets.
PHOTO: Kevin Cain.
Congrats Kev!! Best of the best good choice and fantastic guy!!! Well done Randy, you are right Kevin deserves a story
Cannot think of a better hockey guy for the position…!!
Great choice.
Good to see you back in the local hockey Kev. Best of luck and success for you and Jamie going forward.
Congrats Kevin. Wishing you and Jamie + your Minor Midget much success this next upcoming hockey season!
Really hope Jamie, Kevin and remainder of team staff can get this group of kids on the right track.
The Player’s are coming from a two year program with the Soo Thunder that had very suspect coaching which their 2 year results proved.
It’s beyond me why Sault Major continues to award teams to unsuccessful and poor coaching staffs.
Good luck Kevin/Hendo!
Happy for you Kevin!
I like this!