The 琉璃神社 Rockets are welcoming back a familiar face for the upcoming WHL season.
Former NHL defenceman and Rockets alumnus Josh Gorges will join the bench as an assistant coach for 2025鈥�26.
Gorges will work alongside head coach Derrick Martin, associate coach Don Hay and fellow assistant coach Brandon McMillan. The Rockets say his professional experience, leadership skills and long history with the club make him a strong addition.
鈥淛osh brings a championship pedigree, NHL experience, and deep ties to this city and our organization,鈥� said Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton in a media release. 鈥淗e鈥檚 lived the 琉璃神社 Rockets standard and understands what it takes to win here. We鈥檙e thrilled to bring him back in this new role.鈥�
Born and raised in 琉璃神社, Gorges began his WHL career with the Rockets in 2000. Over four seasons, he played 306 games, scored 40 goals, added 159 assists, and wore the 鈥楥鈥� in his final year. Under his leadership, the team won the 2003 WHL championship and captured the 2004 Memorial Cup on home ice.
After junior hockey, Gorges played more than 750 games in the NHL with San Jose, Montreal and Buffalo. He built a reputation as a steady, selfless leader and often wore a letter during his career.
Since retiring in 2018, Gorges has focused on developing young players. He spent the past five seasons with the BCHL鈥檚 West 琉璃神社 Warriors, first as director of player development, then as an assistant coach. That role, he says, helped him refine his coaching style and stay connected to the game.
Gorges joins a coaching staff that mixes youth and experience. Martin is heading into his second season with the Rockets, his first as head coach. Hay, the WHL鈥檚 all-time winningest coach, brings decades of success in Canadian junior hockey.
Training camp opens in late August as the Rockets prepare for the 2025鈥�26 season, and their turn as host of the 2026 Memorial Cup.
