Winds of change are blowing
A new era is on the horizon for the Kelowna Rockets.
The team is getting set to hold a press conference to introduce its updated coaching staff ahead of the 2025–26 WHL season. No names have been confirmed yet, but all signs point to some major changes, possibly including a brand-new head coach and fresh faces on the support staff.
It’ll be the first big update from the Rockets since the end of last season, and it’s clear the organization is looking to shake things up after missing the playoffs. Back in January, the team parted ways with head coach Kris Mallette and promoted assistant Derrick Martin to interim bench boss. Mallette has since taken over as head coach of the OHL’s Erie Otters.
Regan’s Take: It looks like things either came together quickly behind the scenes or the successful candidate made a strong enough impression to fast-track the process. The Kelowna Rockets are set to name their new head coach sooner than expected, surprising some who thought the hire would come mid-July. That’s what GM Bruce Hamilton suggested just a few weeks ago, pointing to a more drawn-out timeline to find the right voice to lead the team into what they hope will be a Memorial Cup season. So who’s the new bench boss? Is it a familiar name, someone with pro experience but also a strong track record developing junior-aged talent? That’s the balance teams in the WHL are always chasing: leadership with credibility, but also someone who understands the grind of guiding 16- to 20-year-olds both on and off the ice. We’ll find out soon. But one thing’s clear: the Rockets aren’t standing still this offseason.
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