The second winningiest coach in Sudbury Wolves franchise history has decided to step down.

Following a very exciting regular season, a first round playoff win over the Mississauga Steelheads but a disappointing sweep at the hands of the North Bay Battalion in round two, Sudbury native Ken MacKenzie announced earlier this week that he has stepped down as head coach of the team.

The 2023-2024 campaign marked the second go around for MacKenzie, having replaced embattled Chicago native John Wallin late in the 1987-1988 season and remaining at the helm right through to the end of the winter of 1991-1992.

During that time, he would amass 126 regular season victories, adding another three (in just five games) when he stepped in on an interim basis while the Wolves awaited the move from Florida of former NHLer Derek MacKenzie (Ken's son).

When the younger bench boss decided to accepted an assistant coaching position with the Nashville Predators and Valley East native and head coach Andrew Brunette, it was the elder MacKenzie who was once again tapped to lead the Pack in what was a season filled with promise and optimism.

Putting together a high-octane offense that netted the most goals in the entire OHL (328), MacKenzie would lead the Wolves to a record of 38-23-4-3 and a fifth place finish in the Eastern Conference.

"Ken MacKenzie is a first class individual and a true hockey man," noted General Manager Rob Papineau in the team-issued released. "His leadership, professionalism and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in all areas of our organization."

"We are immensely grateful for all of his contributions."

Blessed with a handful of grandchildren who have shown plenty of potential on the ice - not to mention with Derek making the jump back to the NHL - some were surprised when MacKenzie accepted the position last summer.

Far less surprising is the fact that this is one of the bonuses that not being tied to a hectic OHL schedule will offer for the man who enjoyed several successful seasons behind the bench with a pair of local junior A franchises: the Onaping Falls Huskies and the Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats.

"I'm extremely thankful to my wife (Linda) and family for their unwavering support," stated MacKenzie in the release. "Their encouragement and understanding have allowed me to do everything in my career."

"I look forward to cherishing more time with them."