The road to the 2014 RBC Cup begins on Thursday as the West Kelowna Warriors open their training camp at Royal LePage Place.
On the ice, Matt Anholt takes over the reins from graduated Captain Max French, with the Tribe set to boast a young but skilled forward group.
Having recently signed a five-year extension with the team, Head Coach Rylan Ferster is ready for his third season with the club.
However Ferster has made some changes to his coaching staff, adding a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Ryan Parent has joined the organization as an Assistant Coach and Director of Scouting. Most recently a Head Coach / GM with the AJHL’s Lloydminster Bobcats, Parent has also coached in Europe, and now lives with his wife Janine in Vernon.
“I am looking forward to working with good people in Rylan and Brent” Parent says. “I believe successful organizations are built with fundamentally sound, team-first people who are in place for the right reasons. “This is the case in west Kelowna.”
Another familiar name is also joining the mix, with Cory Cross set to embark on his second stint coaching in the BCHL.
A veteran of more than 600 NHL games, Cory Cross most recently worked on the coaching staff at the University of Calgary, where Coach Ferster says he excelled at working with young defencemen.
Brent Gough returns as Ferster’s right-hand man, returning for his fourth season with the Warriors as Associate Coach and Assistant General Manager.
Former Assistant Coach Shae Naka has left the team to follow an opportunity with the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy. “We’re going to miss Shae, and we certainly wish him well” says Ferster of Naka’s departure.
The Warriors will play four exhibition games this year, including home contests on Aug. 25th (Vees) and Aug. 31st (Vipers).
After opening the regular season at the BCHL showcase in Chilliwack (Sept. 6-8), the Warriors will return to RLP for their home opener on Friday, Sept. 13th against Merritt, presented by Stutters Disaster Kleenup.
Find West Kelowna’s full 2013-14 schedule at bchl.ca, and stay tuned for further announcements on what promises to be the most exciting Warriors season yet!
