Rangers Extend Chief Operating Officer Joe Birch and General Manager Mike McKenzie through 2029
Kitchener, ON – The Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club is thrilled to announce the contract extensions of Chief Operating Officer Joe Birch and General Manager Mike McKenzie through the 2028-2029 season.
The Rangers have experienced success both on and off the ice under the leadership of Birch and McKenzie. These extensions solidify their commitment to the Kitchener Rangers’ long-term vision. Their expertise and dedication have been crucial in the team’s success, and these extensions ensure stability and continuity as the Rangers continue their journey toward a championship title.
President Jeff Emrich along with the Executive have overseen Birch’s accomplishments to extend his contract as Emrich states, “The Rangers hired Joe Birch four years ago to be the champion of our community-owned hockey club. Joe joined us in the infancy of the pandemic and has been instrumental in leading the organization through the recovery. His impact has been felt throughout our operation, most importantly building the Rangers into a leader of equity, diversity & inclusion initiatives within the CHL. Joe’s support of our talented business and hockey staff has enhanced the Rangers brand, further demonstrating this to be the desired CHL destination. Our executive & board of directors have the utmost confidence that Memorable times are ahead for the Rangers community, and we are excited for Joe & Mike to lead us forward.”
Birch’s first four years with the Rangers marked the beginning of his pivotal role in the club’s accomplishments. Over the past four seasons, his leadership steered the organization through the challenges of the pandemic, ensuring the team remained intact and effective. Birch’s contributions have been instrumental in fostering the Rangers’ ongoing progress and evolution, both in their on-ice performance and their broader organizational development.
“I would like to thank Rangers president Jeff Emrich and the Rangers Executive for this opportunity and their continued support,” Birch expressed with sincere appreciation. “I am very fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing team of people – there is no other place I would rather be for the next five years. I am truly grateful and excited for the future of the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club.”
Additionally, Birch underscores his unwavering confidence in McKenzie, noting, “Mike has been amazing with leading our hockey operations for the past seven seasons and this extension is well deserved. He is one of the best General Managers in the CHL in addition to being a tremendous person. The future is bright in Rangers Nation because of his leadership and experience. We have an outstanding group of players and staff that Mike has built.”
McKenzie has been a steadfast presence with the Rangers since 2012, initially serving as an Assistant Coach. His dedication and leadership were quickly recognized, leading to his promotion to Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager in 2015, and ultimately to his appointment as General Manager in 2017. Under his tenure as GM, the Rangers have consistently clinched playoff spots, never missing the postseason, and notably reached the Western Conference final in 2018, showcasing his prowess in team management and development. Throughout his time as GM McKenzie’s overall record is 216-147-30 (win percentage of 0.588) and his record as Head Coach is 75-42-14 (win percentage of 0.679).
“I am appreciative and thankful for the opportunity to continue to lead the Rangers. This organization and community are so important to me and there is nowhere else I would rather be. It is a privilege to get to work for such a special organization with so many amazing people,” says Mike McKenzie.
“Looking back, I am proud of many of the things we have accomplished, our consistency, and the culture we have built. Looking ahead, I am as hungry and passionate as ever about building on this, continuing to be a consistent threat in the league and ultimately getting us to the top of the mountain.”
For inquiries, contact:
Lindsay Eastwood
Manager of Communications and Team Services
Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club
613-793-0168
