The home of the South Shore Lumberjacks, The LCLC in Bridgewater, NS. Photo: Evan Taylor

The South Shore Lumberjacks announced over the weekend that they have parted ways with Head Coach Brad Tesink after a disappointing start to the season.

Lumberjacks owner David Hinkley says he felt a change was needed to give the team new direction and help focus on their goals of making the playoffs. “Last year was a long year, and here we are again bottom of our division, our goal differential is worst in the league and we as a team need to have higher expectations, which I think the town deserves,” Hinkley said.

Under his ownership, Hinkley has made it a priority to get more fans out to the games and although he says they’ve had success in doing so this season he worries how sustainable that is should the team continue its underwhelming form.

Shawn Woodworth who has an extensive background in the local hockey scene has been appointed on an interim basis and Hinkley has a large amount of confidence in him which he says will help with the team’s search for a permanent replacement. “Shawn is a hockey guy, he knows the game, knows the people involved in it and I think the team will get along with him really well which gives us the ability to take our time as we search for our next head coach,” Hinkley said.

The Jacks will be looking for a coach with plenty of experience according to Hinkley who feels the team needs a seasoned voice behind the bench to help the team find their way.

Some applications have already been received by the team, but Hinkley says the team will carefully look at all of their options before making a decision. As for a time frame as to when a permanent coach might be hired Hinkley said that’s still very much up in the air and it could be just a few days away or potentially weeks depending on how the situation develops.

The Jacks are back in action Thursday night when they welcome the Yarmouth Mariners to town.