After 11 years in the organization, including four as head coach, the Kelowna Rockets have relieved Kris Mallette of his duties.

Named an assistant coach this past summer, Derrick Martin has been named the team's interim head coach.

香蕉视频直播淚 think it was just time for a change. It香蕉视频直播檚 a tough day, but it香蕉视频直播檚 a fresh start," said Rockets President and General Manager Bruce Hamilton in a press release. 香蕉视频直播淚 can香蕉视频直播檛 thank Kris enough for what he香蕉视频直播檚 done for our organization. He香蕉视频直播檚 been with us longer than anybody has been in the organization, maybe other than Scott Hoyer. He was all class when I met him today and he香蕉视频直播檚 a really good person. He香蕉视频直播檚 going to land on his feet and get another hockey job in a hurry. He香蕉视频直播檚 had tremendous success at the international level, and we wish him nothing but the best.香蕉视频直播�

Mallette was promoted from assistant coach to interim head coach in February 2020 and officially became head coach one month later. He led the Rockets to a record of 121-107-19, and three playoff appearances. 

Martin takes the reigns as head coach in an interim role. Prior to joining the Rockets this past summer, he  spent the 2023-24 season as the general manager and head coach of the Camrose Kodiaks. He has also spent time as assistant and head coach of the Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) Edmonton U15 Prep, as well as an assistant coach with the Spruce Grove Saints.

Additionally, he led Team Alberta, which featured Rockets prospects Owen Hayden and Nathan Cole, to a gold medal at the 2024 WHL Cup in Red Deer.

香蕉视频直播淚 think that it香蕉视频直播檒l give Derrick an opportunity as he香蕉视频直播檒l be the interim head coach and will give us an opportunity to get these players a new voice," said Hamilton, who added it's been a tough week for the entire organization.

香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檇 say it香蕉视频直播檚 been a tough week. We moved some of our best players and acquired some solid, good young people that are joining our organization. I just felt that with the new players here, if we were going to make a coaching change that now would be appropriate time."

With Martin in the head coaching role, the Rockets have hired Liam McOnie as an assistant coach. He's returning to the Rockets after being with the organization as a consultant during the 2021-22 season while he was the head coach general manager and head coach of the North Okanagan Knights at the same time.

Over the last eight years, he's also been a goaltending consultant for the Tri-City Americans.

McOnie was named head coach and general manager of the KIJHL's Sicamous Eagles in May 2024. 

香蕉视频直播淔irstly, we would like to thank the Sicamous Eagles board for allowing Liam to leave,香蕉视频直播� Hamilton said. 香蕉视频直播淟iam has had success at the Junior level both in coaching and management and came highly recommended."

Martin and McOnie will make their WHL head coaching and assistant coaching debuts on Friday night as the Rockets welcome the Prince George Cougars to Prospera Place. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.