Photo credit: Kelowna Rockets

By Regan Bartel

Leading Rockets' media strategy

New kid on the block

May 21, 2025 | 6:58 AM

Kelowna Press Release:

The Kelowna Rockets are pleased to announce the hiring of Kohen Willis Dengler as the team’s new Director of Communications & Social Media.

A native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Willis Dengler brings a dynamic background in marketing, communications, and business operations. Most recently, he served as the Coordinator, Business & Hockey Operations for the Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL), where he led the club’s social media, sponsorship sales, community relations, and game day operations.

Willis Dengler holds a Bachelor of Sports Management and a Diploma in Business Administration from Camosun College, where he was also named the 2024 Sports Management Student of the Year.

“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to work for one of the most successful and well-run organizations in the WHL,” said Willis Dengler. “The Rockets have a proud tradition, and I look forward to telling the story of this team and community as we chase a Memorial Cup on home ice.”

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Regan’s Take: Willis Dengler is stepping into an awesome opportunity in his first season with the Rockets. With games running right into May, it’s going to be a busy, high-energy year. The buzz around the team is building on the ice and online and social media is going to be a big part of how fans stay connected. Instagram and TikTok are huge with the younger crowd, and it sounds like the players are excited to jump in, show some personality, and share more behind-the-scenes moments. At the same time, good old Facebook will still be a go-to for updates, especially for longtime fans, with Willis leading the charge on keeping everyone in the loop.

During his studies, Willis Dengler gained hands-on experience in the sports industry through multiple marketing roles, including serving as the Social Media Manager for Camosun College’s athletics department. This is not his first run in the Western Hockey League, having previously worked with the Victoria Royals as part of their Fan Experience staff during the 2021–22 season.

The Rockets will open the 2025-26 WHL season later this fall with the schedule to be announced throughout the summer.