August 20, 2025
By Brett Richter
Sorensen to Return as Lumberjack’s Assistant Coach
Lumberjack head coach Doug Lein announced today, the return of assistant coach CJ Sorensen to the Lumberjack bench. The return of Coach Sorensen allows for continuity in the Lumberjack program for the upcoming season. Coach Lein stated, “Stability is a big thing for a Junior A hockey staff. CJ made big strides last year jumping in and coaching at this level. I fully expect he will hit his stride in year two. CJ brings new and valuable insight into our game planning sessions and I have strong confidence in his abilities. Having CJ return increases player confidence as we maintain consistency in staffing. He’s a little quieter while I tend to be a little more outspoken so we mix well together.”
Sorensen, a Marenisco, MI native, has been on skates since four years of age. He grew up in the Ironwood Polar Bear hockey system in addition to playing in Iron River, Mi. CJ spent two years playing defense for the Ironwood Fighting Yoopers hockey team before moving on to play two years at Grand Valley State in lower Michigan. Coaching for the Ironwood Lumberjacks is a bit of a coming home moment for Coach Sorensen.
When talking with CJ, he stated, “One of my former coaches, Scott Kellett, taught me a lot about defense. I’m looking forward to bringing more of that knowledge to the Lumberjack players. The first year behind the bench was a learning curve. I know the line between player and coach better. I feel more confident in game planning and defensive pairing assignments. My focus at training camp will be much more defined. I’m thankful to the Lein family for bring me onboard.”
In addition to being assigned to the defensive side of the rink, Coach Sorensen will be instrumental in the strength and conditioning program of the Ironwood Lumberjacks. Sorensen stated, “We treat a player as a whole person. The mind, the body and the athlete all come together as one. The Ironwood Lumberjacks are an exciting team to come watch even if you know nothing about hockey. Please come out and join us for a game. You may just get hooked.”
The Ironwood Lumberjacks open the season with a home series against the Thunder Bay North Stars, Sept 19 and 20, at the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center on the campus of Gogebic Community College in Ironwood. See you at the rink!