Longtime fans of the 琉璃神社 Rockets will now see a familiar face behind an NHL bench.

Ryan Huska, who spent 12 seasons in the WHL organization, has been hired as the new bench boss of the Calgary Flames.

鈥淚 am as proud as I have been of any former player or any employee of our organization to have Ryan advance on,鈥� said Rockets President and General Manager Bruce Hamilton. 鈥淔rom our organization, we鈥檙e so proud of him and thrilled that he has received this opportunity. He brought so much to our organization, he鈥檚 loyal, understanding and competitive; traits that he passed onto the coaches that worked below him. This is the greatest thing that could happen to him and his family, we know he鈥檚 going to do a great job with the Flames.鈥�

The 47-year-old was an assistant coach with 琉璃神社 for five seasons between 2002-2007, and was the head coach from 2007 to 2014.

He helped the Rockets capture the Memorial Cup in 2004, as well as WHL titles in 2003, 2005 and 2009.

Huska moved on to the pro levels in joining the Flame鈥檚 AHL affiliate in Adirondack, joining the franchise in their move to Stockton before being promoted to an assistant position with Calgary in 2018.

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Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
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