Red Lake, Ontario – The Red Lake Miners are pleased to announce the return of Associate Coach Matthew Ray for his second season behind the bench. A Thunder Bay native and Miners alumnus, Ray’s decision to re-sign with the team comes as no surprise considering the strong bond he has formed with the Red Lake community.
Reflecting on his decision, Ray expressed his excitement to continue his journey with the Miners, stating, “The opportunity to return for another season with the Miners was a very easy decision. The community of Red Lake opened their arms to me this season, and it has become to feel like a second home.”
Ray’s decision was also driven by the potential for greatness that lies ahead for the team. With a solid group of returning players and a dedicated coaching staff, Ray believes there are no limits to what the Miners can achieve this season. “A big part of returning to coach with the Miners is because of the opportunity we have to do something very special this season,” Ray emphasized. “I’m beyond excited to get back to work with all the returning players and welcome the incoming recruits. I’m looking forward to seeing the group develop on and off the ice this season.”
Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone expressed his confidence in Ray’s abilities, stating, “Matt was an instrumental hire last season and really helped us propel the program to the next level. His ability to connect with our players and motivate them is a big reason for his success.” Stone also highlighted Ray’s dedication to developing the team’s defenders, which resulted in an impressive 52 goals scored from the backend during the 2023-24 season. “He was constantly putting in the work with the boys, walking the line and teaching them how to find the net through traffic,” Stone added.
The Red Lake Miners are excited to have Associate Coach Matthew Ray back on board and are confident that his return will contribute to the team’s continued growth and success. As the new season approaches, the Miners are eagerly anticipating the positive impact that Ray will bring both on and off the ice.