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Lambert named new Thunderbirds coach

Lambert takes over for John Parco as the team introduces an entirely new staff behind the bench
SooToday Staff
Lambert (3)
Photo courtesy OHLImages

NEWS RELEASE
SOO THUNDERBIRDS
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The Soo Thunderbirds Organization is proud to announce that they have named Denny Lambert as the new head coach and assistant general manager of the hockey team. Denny brings his experience as a former OHL head coach with the Soo Greyhounds as well as a very notable playing career in the NHL and in the OHL. Denny played over 800 games professionally and played locally for the Soo Greyhounds for three years prior to turning pro. Denny was the assistant coach with the Soo Greyhounds for five seasons prior to becoming head coach for another three seasons. Following that he was an associate coach with the Gatineau Olympics. Denny is currently a First Nations Police Officer with the Anishinabek Police Service.

“I am looking forward to being surrounded by great people that are motivated to build a culture of excellence, ensuring the development of their players and staff, and providing an entertaining brand of hockey to the fans of the Soo Thunderbirds.”

Associate coach Jeremy Stevenson will be joining Denny and his staff. Jeremy played four seasons in the OHL and over 200 games in the NHL. After playing professionally Jeremy went on to play another two seasons in Europe. Jeremy has been coaching locally since retiring from playing professionally and currently works as an officer for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department. Jeremy will work closely with Denny on the day to day operations of the hockey club.

The hockey team is also pleased to welcome Micky Sartoretto and Aidan Wright as assistant coaches. Micky is a former Soo Thunderbirds player who captained the 2011-12 team to a Dudley Hewitt Cup Championship. Micky also enjoyed success in the OHL with Kitchener and Saginaw as well as in USPORTS with the University of Waterloo. Aidan played in the OJHL for three seasons with the Kingston Voyageurs. Following that, he played in the BCHL for one season and spent four seasons after that in the NCAA with Lake Superior State University. Aidan was captain of his team in the BCHL as well as captain of Lake State his graduating year. Both Micky and Aidan work as local SSM Firefighters. Micky and Aidan will also both serve as the strength and conditioning coaches as well.

Terry Barbeau will also return as goaltender coach for the Soo Thunderbirds. Terry continues to bring a wealth of knowledge to the program assisting with our goaltenders as well as our AP (affiliate player) goaltenders looking to play junior hockey.

Trevor Zachary, general manager of the Soo Thunderbirds stated that “we’re incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated and experienced group of coaches locally, willing to spend their time to work with our players. The organization has done a tremendous job developing players and staff over the years and with the additions of Denny, Jeremy, Micky, and Aidan – we’ll continue to do so.”

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