Rockets head coach will join coaching staff for Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Photo: Steve Dunsmoor/file

Kelowna Rockets head coach Kris Mallette will be busy this summer.

Mallette is one of five coaches selected to lead Canada's under-18 team at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Red Deer, Alta. July 31 to Aug. 6.

He will serve as assistant coach of Canada's entry while former Rocket Kelly Guard will work with the goaltenders.

Stephane Julien with Sherbrooke in the Quebec Major Junior League was named head coach while Sarnia's Alan Letang will work with Mallette as one of the two assistant coaches.

Raphael-Pier Richet is the video coach.

“We are excited to announce the coaching and support staff that will lead our National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team through selection camp and at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup,” said Tyler Dietrich, senior manager of hockey operations with Hockey Canada.

“We know this group will use its CHL experience to help build and a lead a team that will represent Canada with pride and give us the best chance to win gold on home ice in Red Deer in August.”

Mallette, who just completed his second full season as head coach of the Rockets, is no stranger to Hockey Canada.

He was named assistant coach of Team Black at the 2020 World Under-17 Challenge which was cancelled due to COVID, and head coach of Team Canada Red at the 2021 Capital City Challenge.

Guard meantime has served as goaltender coach with the Prince Albert Raiders since 2012.

He backstopped the Rockets to their only Memorial Cup championship in 2004, establishing a CHL record with a 0.75 goals against average, en route to being named tournament MVP.