The London Knights loss is the Columbus Blue Jackets gain.
Knights General Manager Basil McRae announced on Wednesday he is stepping down effective immediately.
The former NHLer is leaving the hockey club to become the new Director of Player Personnel for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
"It's really hard to leave because junior hockey goes in cycles, and I think we have a lot of good pieces for next year, and we have a few things on the go that if they fall into place, then we are going to be very competitive next year," says McRae. "It's bitter sweet really. I had the time of my life for two years."
McRae also thanked Mark and Dale Hunter for their guidance during his time as general manager.
"They have been great mentors of mine and given me the necessary skills for my new position. I truly appreciate everything they have done for me in London,” says McRae.
McRae, a former London Knight himself, was named GM for the team in the fall of 2014. He has been a minority owner of the team since 2000.
Rob Simpson has been appointed the new General Manager of the hockey club. He has been the team's Assistant General Manager/Assistant Coach since 2012 and was instrumental in shaping the 2013 OHL Champion and 2016 OHL and Memorial Cup Championship teams.
“I feel honoured that the ownership group of Mark, Dale, and Basil have the confidence in me to take over this role. I would like to thank them all for this opportunity," says Simpson. “Over my last four years of being with the organization, first working with Mark, then recently with Basil, and alongside Dale since I started, the ownership group has taught me invaluable lessons to prepare me for this role. I look forward to using this knowledge moving forward in my new position with the team.”
In addition to his duties as General Manager, Simpson will continue assisting with coaching and development of players.
Knights Assistant Director of Scouting Jake Goldberg will move up to the position of assistant general manager.
