General Manager & Head Coach - Simon Ferguson
Simon who is originally from Langley, BC has since made the Okanagan Valley his home upon completing his junior hockey career in 2004. Simon was named Interim Head Coach of the Warriors in 2020 with the Interim label being removed signing a two year extension moving into the 2020/21 season. Prior to accepting the Warriors Head Coach position, Simon spent time as the Head Coach of the Okanagan Rockets in the BC Major Midget League . Simon spent fourteen years playing Junior and Professional hockey. He was part of three Championship teams, including a WHL title with Kelowna in 2003, a Memorial Cup with Kelowna in 2004, and a Calder Cup with Hershey in 2010.
Assistant GM & Assistant Coach - Josh Gorges
Josh continues with the Warriors after spending 13 seasons combined with the San Jose Sharks, Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres. Josh will specialize working closely with individual players both on and off the ice specializing in the mental side of the game and hockey IQ. Before his professional career Josh spent his entire Junior hockey career with the Kelowna Rockets (WHL) where he hoisted the Memorial Cup as Team Captain during the 2003-04 season.
Assistant Coach - Wyatt Head
Wyatt who is born and raised in Kelowna, BC has since gotten into Coaching starting in 2022. Wyatt was named Assistant Coach of the Warriors in 2024 after spending 2022-2023 with the team as a Video Coach and the following season with the Okanagan Rockets U18 Program . Wyatt spent parts of 4 Seasons with the Warriors as a Defenceman where he amassed 82 Points and was a top 5 Scoring defenceman in the BCHL for 2 Seasons. He then received a scholarship to play NCAA Div 1 where he spent time at Quinnipiac and Mercyhurst University. He is focused on working with the Defence with different skills and the hockey IQ of the game. He is fresh out of the game and insightful in the junior and college hockey landscapes.
Goali
e Coach - Lucas Gore
Lucas is originally from Kamloops, BC and moved to West Kelowna in 2022. He is part owner of the goaltending company “The Goalie Group” and is responsible for the management of its Interior division. Lucas is currently in his 5th year as the goalie coach for the Spokane Chiefs (WHL). Before the "Chiefs" Gore spent time coaching with the Kamloops Blazers (WHL) and Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL). Prior to coaching, Lucas played one season with Vernon Vipers (BCHL) before playing three full seasons with Chilliwack Bruins (WHL). He moved on to play four years at the University of Regina before finishing his playing career with Stockton Thunder (ECHL).
Athletic Therapist- Cassidy Findlay
Cassidy obatined her Diploma in Human Kinetics from Okanagan College before transferring to complete her Bachelor of Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) campus in 2021. From there, Cassidy continued to complete her Post Bachelor Certificate in Athletic Therapy in 2023 at Mount Royal University. Findlay is a Certified Athletic Therapist with the Canadian Athletic Therapist Association and has spent the last four years as a Student Athletic Therapist, working in a variety of sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and hockey. Since graduating, Cassidy has worked with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) during their training camp and with the Vancouver Whitecaps with their youth teams and overnight camps.
Director of Scouting - Head Coach JPHL U18 - Liam Blackburn
Liam Blackburn had a successful three-year career with the West Kelowna Warriors from 2013 to 2016, leaving a lasting mark on the team. He currently holds the second-highest points total in Warriors history, amassing an impressive 190 points in 160 games. In the 2015-2016 season, Blackburn played a pivotal role in leading the Warriors to victory in the RBC Cup, securing the title of the best Junior A hockey team in Canada.
Following his junior hockey career, Blackburn pursued higher education at the University of New Hampshire, where he continued to excel both academically and athletically.
Blackburn's passion for hockey then led him to a professional career in Europe, where he played for four years, spending three years in Germany and one year in the United Kingdom. Upon his retirement, he transitioned into coaching and now serves as the 18U Head Coach of the Okanagan HC Warriors.
Given Blackburn's extensive experience and proven success in hockey, he possesses a unique ability to identify and develop talented players who demonstrate the drive and potential to become great players themselves. His contributions to the Okanagan HC Warriors are invaluable.
Mental Skills Coach - Brent Hayter
Hayter has spent much of his life around hockey, providing 25 years of experience as a teacher, coach, power skating instructor, and strength & conditioning coaching. Brent will be supporting the emotional needs of players throughout the pressures of playing at an elite level away from home while helping improve mental skills to increase performance, consistency, and potential on the ice.
