The 琉璃神社 Rockets have brought back one of their alum as a new assistant coach.
Vernon Fiddler will join the Rockets鈥� coaching staff this upcoming season along side head coach Adam Foote, who played against Fiddler during their NHL careers.
Rockets鈥� general manager announced the move Wednesday morning, and Fiddler said he鈥檚 looking forward to re-joining the 琉璃神社 franchise.
鈥淚鈥檓 really grateful for the opportunity that Bruce has given me,鈥� said Fiddler.
鈥淚n 1997 he gave me the chance to play junior hockey and that鈥檚 how I鈥檓 looking at this opportunity again, it鈥檚 kind of like d茅j脿 vu for me. I鈥檓 really excited to work with Adam Foote and (assistant coach) Kris Mallette on the bench.鈥�
Fiddler played for 琉璃神社 from 1997-2001 and banked 200 games with the Rockets before moving on to the NHL. Fiddler is one of only two players ever to .
READ MORE: NHLer packed charity game raises $212,000 for 琉璃神社鈥檚 JoeAnna鈥檚 House
READ MORE: Okanagan FC add two wins after challenging road trip
Fiddler was an organizational coach with the Dallas Stars this past season, helping with skills and development with Dallas. He was well known for his defensive play, which is something the Rockets will look for him to impart with 琉璃神社鈥檚 young core.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited for our staff, but more importantly our players,鈥� said coach Foote. 鈥淚n my opinion, from the years I played against Fiddler I thought he had a really high hockey IQ and I loved how he played with confidence.鈥�
鈥淗e brings wisdom and years of his experience that our players have not had that in the forward position that can help teach them. I feel we鈥檙e very fortunate to have a guy of this level on our team.鈥�
During his 14 seasons in the NHL , Fiddler totalled 261 points in 877 games and looks to make an immediate impact for the Rockets on their Memorial Cup run this season.
鈥淔rom the things I鈥檝e learned over the years and to develop into an NHL player I think that I can help these young guys,鈥� said Fiddler.
To report a typo, email:
newstips@kelownacapnews.com.
newstips@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .
