Kelowna native Josh Gorges started his hockey career with the Rockets, played in the NHL and now he’s coming back to where it all started.

The Kelowna Rockets have hired Gorges as an assistant coach for the 2025-2026 season, according to a press release from the team issued today, Aug. 13.

He grew up in Kelowna and played for the Rockets from 2000 to 20024. He played 306 games with 40 goals and 159 assists. He was with them when the Rockets were the 2003 WHL Champions and he led the team as captain in his last season in 2004 when they won the Memorial Cup on home ice.

When Gorges got called up to the NHL as a defenseman he played for the San Jose Sharks, Montreal Canadians and Buffalo Sabres. He played more than 750 games in the NHL and had a letter on his jersey for much of his career.

“Josh brings a championship pedigree, NHL experience, and deep ties to this city and our organization,” Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton said in the release. “He’s lived the Kelowna Rockets standard and understands what it takes to win here. We’re thrilled to bring him back in this new role.”

Since his retirement from hockey in 2018, Gorges has been active in junior hockey. In 2020, he started working with the West Kelowna Warriors in the BCHL as the director of player development and assistant coach.

He’s joining the coaching staff with head coach Derrick Martin and associate coach Don Hay.

The Rockets start training camp later this month to gear up for the 2025-2026 season including the 2026 Memorial Cup at Prospera Place.