Former NHL defender and Kelowna rocket Josh Gorges has joined the West Kelowna Warriors as director of player development.
After winning the Memorial Cup as captain of the Rockets in 2004, the uncovered Gorges played 13 seasons in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabers. He spent his prime in Montreal, where he became one of the league’s most trusted defenders.
After his retirement, Gorges moved back to Kelowna, where he was involved in various charitable fundraisers and unofficially worked with the Rockets.
“We’re delighted to have Josh on board,” said Warriors manager Simon Ferguson. “He brings 13 years of NHL experience as well as various coaching and development skills. He will work with our players on and off the ice, and everyone will benefit greatly from the opportunity to learn from a professional of his caliber. “
Gorges said he was happy to be back in BC Hockey League hockey.
“I’m just really excited to get back to work in the hockey game and help bring that championship mentality back into the Warriors organization,” he said in a press release. “I hope that with my experience in this game I can make a difference here and develop these young players into professionals and help them develop their skills, but probably more importantly the mental side of the game and hockey -IQ. “
