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The Kelowna Rockets have rounded out the team’s coaching staff with a familiar face.
Vernon Fiddler, who played 152 games over two seasons for the Rockets, has been hired on as an assistant coach to Adam Foote.
"He brings a lot, we're thrilled to have him join our organization. We really wanted to find a forward for our coaching staff,” said GM Bruce Hamilton.
“I think it's great that Fiddler is a former Rocket player, he has some experience working with the Dallas Stars and had a great NHL career."
The 39-year-old was an organization coach with the Stars this past season, assisting with skills and development at the NHL and AHL level.
He ended his 877-game career as a player in the NHL in 2017 after making a run to the Stanley Cup Finals with the Nashville Predators.
"With my experience playing in the American League and the NHL as a solid defensive forward I think that I'm going to be able to help these young guys with a lot of things,’” said Fiddler.
“Those things are what you need to be good at to make yourself a better player, from the things I've learned over the years and to develop into an NHL player I think that I can help these young guys."
Foote expressed his excitement about the hiring as well, praising Fiddler’s “high hockey IQ” and confidence.
“He brings wisdom and years of his experience that our players have not had that in the forward position that can help teach them,” Foote explained.
Fiddler said he and his wife Chrissy are excited to make the move to Kelowna with their two children, Blake and Bella.
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