The Kelowna Rockets are welcoming back a familiar face for the upcoming WHL season.
Former NHL defenceman and Rockets alumnus Josh Gorges will join the bench as an assistant coach for 2025乌鸦传媒�26.
Gorges will work alongside head coach Derrick Martin, associate coach Don Hay and fellow assistant coach Brandon McMillan. The Rockets say his professional experience, leadership skills and long history with the club make him a strong addition.
乌鸦传媒淛osh brings a championship pedigree, NHL experience, and deep ties to this city and our organization,乌鸦传媒� said Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton in a media release. 乌鸦传媒淗e乌鸦传媒檚 lived the Kelowna Rockets standard and understands what it takes to win here. We乌鸦传媒檙e thrilled to bring him back in this new role.乌鸦传媒�
Born and raised in Kelowna, Gorges began his WHL career with the Rockets in 2000. Over four seasons, he played 306 games, scored 40 goals, added 159 assists, and wore the 乌鸦传媒楥乌鸦传媒� in his final year. Under his leadership, the team won the 2003 WHL championship and captured the 2004 Memorial Cup on home ice.
After junior hockey, Gorges played more than 750 games in the NHL with San Jose, Montreal and Buffalo. He built a reputation as a steady, selfless leader and often wore a letter during his career.
Since retiring in 2018, Gorges has focused on developing young players. He spent the past five seasons with the BCHL乌鸦传媒檚 West Kelowna Warriors, first as director of player development, then as an assistant coach. That role, he says, helped him refine his coaching style and stay connected to the game.
Gorges joins a coaching staff that mixes youth and experience. Martin is heading into his second season with the Rockets, his first as head coach. Hay, the WHL乌鸦传媒檚 all-time winningest coach, brings decades of success in Canadian junior hockey.
Training camp opens in late August as the Rockets prepare for the 2025乌鸦传媒�26 season, and their turn as host of the 2026 Memorial Cup.
