Hounds head equipment man

Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League have opted to stay within house in hiring a new head equipment manager.

A Sault Ste. Marie native, Jay Thomas has been promoted from assistant equipment manager with the Greyhounds to his new position as the head guy.

Prior to joining the Greyhounds two years ago, Thomas was the equipment manager with the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.

In taking over as head equipment manager of the Greyhounds, Thomas replaces Simon Payette, who left the Soo earlier this summer to assume a similar position with the rival Flint Firebirds of the OHL.

Payette was with the Greyhounds for three seasons before taking the Flint job.

As for the hiring of Thomas to replace Payette, Greyhounds general manager Kyle Raftis noted the passion of his new head equipment manager.

“We are very excited to promote Jay into the position of head equipment manager. Over the past two seasons Jay has contributed over and above his duties for the organization,” Raftis began.

“Jay’s passion for the role did not go unnoticed,” added Raftis. “We are excited for Jay to start this new position and continue to provide a great environment for our players.”

As for Thomas, he is called it “amazing” to just be a part of the Greyhound organization.

“It’s surreal to have watched so many games in this (GFL Memorial Gardens) arena and the old Memorial Gardens and to be a part of this storied franchise … well, it is amazing,” gushed Thomas.

“I am very excited to take this next step and join the incredible staff we have here.  I hope I can be a small part in keeping our winning tradition going,” he added.

PHOTO: Jay Thomas, new head equipment manager of the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds.