CARROT RIVER — The Carrot River Outback Thunder are looking for a new head coach.
In May, the Junior B team announced it was bringing former assistant coach Rob Holoien back on board – this time as the head coach. However, he has had to relinquish the role.
“We would love to keep Rob as our coach, but unfortunately he has decided to step back due to personal reasons,” Outback Thunder general manager Brennan Hall said. “He hopes to continue to stay involved with the team in some way, that has yet to be determined.”
The Carrot River team is slated to open its Prairie Junior Hockey League regular season Friday on the road in Saskatoon against the Royals. The first regular season home game is the next night versus the Saskatoon Westleys. The deadline for head coach applications is Oct. 8.
“Rob will continue to help out until a replacement is found,” Hall said. “Otherwise between myself and our assistant coach Kolton Holmen (the former longtime Outback Thunder goaltender), we will run everything until the head coach is solidified.”
The Outback Thunder compiled a 3-0 record this fall in exhibition play. In a season severely shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Carrot River was 1-5 last winter. The Outback Thunder return 11 players from last season.
“We are very excited that they're back,” Hall said. “They're big, fast and can put pucks in the net. You should see a very physical game form us with that added touch of goal scoring. “
Holoien brought a wealth of hockey experience to the Outback Thunder. He played in various junior leagues, including spending time with the Melfort Mustangs and Nipawin Hawks. Holoien spent two and a half seasons as an assistant coach with the Battlefords North Stars. He helped lead the team to a 2019 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League championship.
