Voodoos name new head coach

POWASSAN, Ont. — The Powassan Voodoos of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League have named Max Gavin their new coach effective immediately, the club announced on Thursday.

Gavin joins the Voodoos after a successful season as an assistant coach with the ACHA Division I Adrian Bulldogs, who captured a national title in late March.

The 29-year-old Toronto native, whose father Stewart Gavin played more than 750 games in the National Hockey League, is thrilled to make the move from Southeastern Michigan to Northeastern Ontario.

“It is a great opportunity to work with a talented group of players, and an organization dedicated to winning and helping move guys on to the next level,” said Gavin, who also served at the Adrian Bulldogs Division III head coach.

“Not to mention an amazing community and fan base that supports the program so well.”

Gavin is hoping to accomplish two big things with the Voodoos.

“To bring another championship back to Powassan and to help every player develop and obtain an opportunity to play at the next level.

“I would like to thank Jim Bruce and Chris Dawson and the entire Voodoos organization for this opportunity. Additionally, I would like to thank Gary Astalos (HC Adrian College ACHA D1) Dr. Jeffrey Docking (President Adrian College) and Mike Duffy (Athletic Director Adrian College) and everyone at Adrian for an amazing 3 years,” added Gavin.

Gavin takes over the job from interim head coach Bruce Cazabon.

Voodoos GM Chris Dawson believes Gavin is a good fit as he was part of a successful rebuild in Adrian College.

“Max is driven and will be determined to get the most out of his players,” said Dawson.

“We think he will be a good fit with this organization, he’s a hard worker from a very good hockey family. Along with being a good coach he was also a head recruiter for Adrian College as well.”

Gavin will join the Voodoos for their first spring camp for the upcoming 2018-19 season which will take place April 28-29 at Memorial Gardens.