Cap News: Huska’s Resume Continues to Grow
By Warren Henderson – Kelowna Capital News
Ryan Huska’s international coaching resume continues to expand.
The Kelowna Rockets’ bench boss was named this week as the head coach of Team WHL for the Subway Super Series against the Russians next month in Kamloops and Prince George.
Last year, Huska served as an assistant for the Team WHL vs Russia games played in Kelowna and Victoria.
It’s the latest chapter in Huska’s association with Hockey Canada.
The 35-year-old Rocket coach is also an assistant on the Team Canada staff for the World Junior Hockey Championship this December in Buffalo. This summer, he was in St. John’s for the Canadian junior team development camp.
“What it comes down to is Hockey Canada wants their world junior coaches to get some more experience before the worlds,” said Huska. “This series is a great way to do that. It’s a real honour to be selected.”
Huska will be joined on the Team WHL staff for the two-game series by Portland’s Mike Williamson, Guy Charron of the Kamloops Blazers, Dean Clark of Prince George.
In addition, Huska will have the league’s best on-ice talent at his disposal.
“It’s exciting for me to have the opportunity to work with some great young players,” said Huska. “It’s also a chance work with some great coaches from around our league.”
It’s all part of what will be a busy winter for Huska who will be gone for the better part of a month during the world juniors.
Still, Huska insists the Kelowna Rockets will continue to be his main focus.
“Our first priority is our team here,” said Huska. “I have to be thankful for our management and ownership for the opportunity and allowing me to do this…and as always our team comes first. When I am gone, we have a very capable and detailed group of coaches who will looking after things.”
Team WHL will play Russia Nov. 17 in Kamloops and Nov. 18 in Prince George.
Rocket Shots…The Rockets (3-6-0-0) continue a four-game home stand Wednesday night against the Vancouver Giants (5-5-1-1)…Kelowna will host Everett on Friday, while the Brandon Wheat Kings pay their lone visit of the season to Prospera Place on Tuesday…Rockets captain Tyson Barrie (hamstring) is doubtful for Wednesday’s game vs Giants, but may be ready to return Friday night against Silvertips…D Brendon Wall is day-to-day after taking a hit to the head in Saturday’s 5-1 loss to Portland.
