Sports

The Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League regret to announce that assistant coach Ryan Cuthbert has resigned from the Rockets for personal reasons.

Cuthbert has been an assistant coach with the Rockets for the past five seasons but has decided to move in a different direction.

“This is a personal choice for me,” said Cuthbert. “I’m going to explore different opportunities. I think of the Hamilton family and the Rockets as my family. I want to thank them for the opportunity to work for what I believe is the best junior organization in Canada and for their continued support through this transition."

Over a five year career as a player with the Rockets, Cuthbert became one of the most popular captains in Rockets history. After a minor pro career was cut short due to injury, Cuthbert returned to Kelowna where he spent the past five years as a Rockets’ assistant coach.

“At this time Ryan feels he needs to step away from the game for a period of time,” said Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton. "We plan to assist Ryan as he makes this transition from the game as he is a member of the Rockets family and always will be"

The Rockets will keep its existing coaching staff intact and the club has no plans to replace Cuthbert behind the bench.