THUNDER BAY – HOYT LAKES, Minn. – The Minnesota Iron Rangers of the Superior International Junior Hockey League has announced head coach and general manager Chris Walby has stepped down from his position with the club effectively immediately.
In four seasons at the helm of the Iron Rangers, Walby guided the club to a 113-93-2-16 overall record in 224 games behind the Minnesota bench.
That also included a berth in the 2014 Bill Salonen Cup finals in which the team lost in seven games to the Fort Frances Lakers.
“I’d like to thank Bart Bartholomew and the members of the Minnesota Iron Rangers’ board for the opportunity to be their coach and general manager,” stated Walby in discussing his departure.
“Deciding to move on hasn’t been an easy choice for me to make in large part due to the love and support I’ve personally received over the years from the special families I’ve met and friendships I’ve made in the Iron Range communities,” added Walby.
“I’ll never forget you. Thank you for your continued support and the memories we shared.”
“Most importantly, I want to thank my players for believing in me, believing in the opportunity to be a Ranger and giving me the opportunity to coach you,” offered Walby.
“Boys, thank you for your hard work, your dedication, your bruises and your loyalty. It’s been an incredible chapter and I’m forever grateful for you and the things we’ve accomplished.”
The Iron Rangers organization would like to thank Chris for his efforts on behalf of the club and wish him luck in his future pursuits.
The search for a new head coach and GM for the team is underway with the club hoping to make an announcement on Walby’s successor in the coming days.