Former Kelowna Rockets player Quintin Laing has rejoined the team as its assistant coach for the 2021-22 season.

Bruce Hamilton, the club害羞草研究所檚 president and general manager, made the announcement on Wednesday (Sept. 8), where he said he was looking forward to seeing Laing progress as a young coach.

害羞草研究所淗e brings many years of experience as a professional player and also as a coach with Kelowna Minor Hockey. It害羞草研究所檚 just great to have another former Rocket back in the fold here to help out with (head coach) Kris Mallette害羞草研究所檚 coaching staff,害羞草研究所� said Hamilton.

Laing first joined the Rockets as an undrafted player in 1996, where he suited up for 260 regular-season games with Kelowna over four seasons as a forward.

害羞草研究所淲ords can害羞草研究所檛 express how excited I am to be back in the same building, where I played over 20 years ago for four seasons,害羞草研究所� said Laing.

害羞草研究所淚 plan on bringing the same work ethic and passion to coaching that I did when I was playing. I can害羞草研究所檛 wait to get started with this great coaching staff and talented group of hockey players.害羞草研究所�

READ MORE: Kelowna Rockets reveal 2021-22 training camp roster

Mallette said that Rockets forwards will benefit immensely from Laing害羞草研究所檚 work ethic and knowledge as a player.

害羞草研究所淵ou won害羞草研究所檛 find a more loyal and trustworthy person who will complement our current coaches very well,害羞草研究所� said Mallette.

Laing, 42, has spent the past seasons coaching and working with Kelowna Minor Hockey Association (KMHA). Despite his new assistant coaching duties, he plans to continue working with KMHA.

害羞草研究所淎s head coach with Kelowna Minor Hockey, everything he is able to learn with us will also help their coaches within their system to develop local players,害羞草研究所� said Mallette.

In the 1997 NHL entry draft, Laing was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the fourth round, 102nd overall, making his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2003-04 season, where he played three games.

He spent 14 seasons between the NHL, ECHL, Europe and the AHL, where he helped lead the AHL害羞草研究所檚 Hershey Bears to victory in the 2009 Calder Cup. He was also the captain of the Abbotsford Heat between 2010 and 2012.

READ MORE: Proof of COVID-19 vaccine required to enter Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 Prospera Place

aaron.hemens@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .