Rockets Alumni Ferguson named head coach of Ok. Rockets
The Okanagan Rockets and BC Hockey dipped into the deep pool of Kelowna Rockets alumni on Monday, announcing that former Memorial Cup and Calder Cup champion Simon Ferguson has been named the Okanagan Rockets head coach for the 2014-2015 season.
Ferguson, 31, started his junior career with the Lethbridge Hurricanes before being acquired at the 2003 trade deadline by the Kelowna Rockets. He played 134 games in a Rockets jersey including the 2003-04 Memorial Cup championship team, which will be inducted into the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame this summer.
A native of St. Albert, AB Ferguson played in over 500 professional games between the American Hockey League, the ECHL, and Europe.
In 2010, Ferguson claimed a Calder Cup Championship with the Hershey Bears.
“Simon Ferguson is a winner,” said Rockets general manager David Michaud.
“When we began our search for a new head coach, we wanted someone who had the experience to lead our players to the next steps in their hockey careers. We are a development league first and foremost, and who better to lead these young men than someone who went through a five year junior career and ultimately a great pro career. I’m thrilled to have Simon lead our program.”
It’s Ferguson’s first foray into coaching and one that he couldn’t pass up.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to get behind the bench, learning a new aspect of the game. I want to come in and continue the success of last season’s club and continue the pursuit of bringing a Telus Cup championship to the Okanagan.”
The Rockets open its 2014-2015 evaluation camp Aug. 7 to 10 at the Capital News Centre as the club opens its annual evaluation camp.
