Kitchener Rangers extend Birch, McKenzie through 2029

The Kitchener Rangers have announced Thursday that the club has extended both Chief Operating Officer Joe Birch and General Manager Mike McKenzie through the 2028-2029 season.

The Rangers said in a press release that the extensions of both Birch and McKenzie provide stability and continuity as the Rangers continue to strive for a championship title.

Jeff Emrich is the President of the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club and he said along with the executive who have overseen Birch’s accomplishments, Emrich stated that his impact has been felt throughout the club’s operation.

“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 led the club through the pandemic and played an instrumental part in leading the organization through the recovery. He’s been part of the club since 2020.

“I would like to thank Rangers president Jeff Emrich and the Rangers Executive for this opportunity and their continued support,” Birch said in a release. “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.”

McKenzie has a record of 216-147-30 during his time as GM of the club. He’s been part of the organization since 2012. McKenzie has served as assistant coach and head coach of the club on multiple occasions. His record behind the bench is 75-42-14.

“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,” said 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,” added McKenzie.