Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

First year WHL coach takes over helm

Derrick Martin is ready to meet the challenge

Jan 14, 2025 | 7:00 AM

Derrick Martin took an assistant coaching role with the Kelowna Rockets in August to gain experience at the Western Hockey League level. 

However, the 40-year-old never imagined he would be thrust into the deep end of the pool as a head coach. 

After the hockey club parted ways with Kris Mallette last Friday, Martin, now tagged as the interim head coach, is doing his best to stay afloat. 

“It was a tough day for all of us,” Martin said when he found out that Mallette had been relieved of his duties. “Kris was instrumental in bringing me to Kelowna and giving me the opportunity in this league. I knew I was going to get a good coach and mentor, but I didn’t know I was going to get such a good friend.” 

Mallette had to take Martin under his wing, guiding him through a steep learning curve. The affable personality had never experienced many of the venues across the WHL, let alone joining a team where assistant coaches are often responsible for tasks like booking meals and hotels while contributing to the coaching side. 

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“We’ve always had what I would call an authentic relationship,” Martin added. “I got 30 minutes with him after he heard the news, and we had a good talk like we always do in the morning. It’s sad to see him go. It’s sad to see a good man no longer be part of this organization, but he’s a decorated individual, a great coach, and a tremendous human being. He won’t be on the shelf long; someone else is going to get a really good coach. I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up coaching against him at some point this season.” 

Although Martin may be new to the WHL, he does have experience as both the general manager and head coach of the Camrose Kodiaks in the AJHL. While the WHL is a step up, it would be misguided to suggest he is underqualified for the role. 

“He [Mallette] cares about the development of our athletes. He cares about the logo. He did a tremendous job for Kelowna. He has banners in the rafters that he will look back on fondly. At the same time, he taught me a lot about the preparation needed to do this job every day at this level, and I’m deeply grateful for that,” Martin said. 

Rockets General Manager Bruce Hamilton made the change to bring a fresh voice to the bench and locker room. Martin acknowledges his aim is to approach things from a different perspective. 

“The Hamilton’s have given me the bus for the rest of the season,” he said. “I only know how to do it one way—that’s my way. There are things Kris shared ownership of and gave me a voice on early on, so some things will stay the same, but there are also things I believe in doing differently, and that will happen over time.” 

Looking back, it may have been a blessing in disguise when Martin had to step in as head coach for two games earlier this season while Mallette was away coaching the CHL Prospects at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge in Ontario. It gave Martin the opportunity to take charge, leading to a win over Portland and an overtime loss to the Everett Silvertips. 

“At the end of the day, it’s not about who is coaching the team,” he said. “It’s about making sure we are taking care of the 23 athletes in that dressing room and giving them the best opportunity to be successful and live out their dreams.”