The Ontario Hockey League's Kitchener Rangers announced on Friday that Mike McKenzie has been named the team's new general manager, replacing Murray Hiebert who is now Director of Hockey Operations.

McKenzie, son of TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, joined the Rangers as an assistant coach in 2012 under Steve Spott and was promoted to assistant coach and assistant general manager last season.

"When Mike McKenzie was first brought into the fold here in Kitchener it quickly became apparent, based on his work ethic and knowledge of the game, that this was someone who would continue to climb the ranks of a hockey operations staff in the OHL," said Rangers Chief Operating Officer Steve Bienkowski on Friday. "His move from the coaching ranks to the Management team as assistant general manager was another step in this progression.

"Over the last few months, Mike continued to demonstrate he is capable and deserving of even more responsibility as he oversaw the preparation for the OHL Priority Selection and dealings at the trade deadline. It was during this time, with input and encouragement from Murray, the process began and wheels were set in motion to have Mike take over as general manager."

In his new role, McKenzie will oversee the scouting and drafting of players, trades, staffing of hockey operations and media obligations.

Hiebert, who previously worked with the Plymouth Whalers, Waterloo Siskins, London Knights, Sudbury Wolves and St. Michael's Majors, joined the Rangers as a scout in 2001 and was general manager of the Rangers since 2013.

"In the fall of 2016, Murray informed me that it was his intention to retire following this season, as he thought it was time to take a step back from the workload required as a general manager in our league," added Bienkowski on Friday. "Over the next number of months, various discussions led to him agreeing to postpone his retirement for another season, and in the meantime adopting this new role."

The Rangers are playing in the first round of the OHL playoffs, down 3-1 in their best-of-seven series with Game 5 on Friday night.