Warriors Ferster inks long-term deal

Photo: Contributed - West Kelowna Warriors

Rylan Ferster has inked a five year deal to remain as coach and GM of the West Kelowna Warriors

The West Kelowna Warriors will have some stability at the top for the foreseeable future.

The BCHL franchise locked up head coach and general manager Rylan Ferster to a five year contract.

The deal was announced Monday.

Over two seasons with the Warriors, Ferster has amassed a 52-42-6-16 regular season record and led the Warriors to the Interior Conference Final for just the second time in franchise history this past spring.

“First off I’d like to thank the Cheyne family for their gracious offer,” says Ferster. 

“I’ve been fortunate enough to coach in the BCHL for a long time now.  West Kelowna is obviously a great place to coach, and one of the premier franchises in the league.”

Ferster says he is excited about the long term deal because he wanted to stay close to his twin daughters, Brooke & Alyssa, which is of the utmost importance to him.

“We knew what we were getting when we initially signed Rylan in 2011,” adds Team Owner Mark Cheyne. 

“He is great for the team, the community, and the franchise.  We couldn’t be happier to keep him around and build some stability.”

Ferster added the staff has been with the team for a while and will continue to work with him.

"That’s so important for the recruiting process, and I think future players and parents will appreciate that.”

Ferster and the Warriors are preparing for the start of training camp Aug. 22 at Royal LePage Place.

More than 40 players are expected to attend camp.

The Warriors open up the pre-season three days after camp begins in Penticton Aug. 25. They will host the Vees the following night at Royal LePage Place.

They open up the regular season Sept. 6 against Surrey at the annual Showcase Series in Chilliwack before hosting Merritt in the home opener Sept. 13.