Following the 2015–16 season and Dudley Hewitt Cup campaign, it was announced that owner, Albert Giommi, had sold the organization to a group called The Tech 921 Ltd., led by former National Hockey League player and Ontario Hockey League coach, Denny Lambert.

[8] On March 17, local businessman Darren Smyl took over operations of the Thunderbirds in order to keep the team from leaving.

[10] Smith would be replaced by John Parco, a local who played most of his professional career in Europe and had been coaching SG Cortina in Italy.

With the ownership change, the Thunderbirds updated to a new color scheme and logo in blue, orange, and white.

[11][12] Central Canada Championships Winners of the NOJHL, OJHL, SIJHL, and Host Round robin play with 2nd vs 3rd in semi-final to advance against 1st in the finals.