KELOWNA — After five seasons as Ryan Huksa’s right hand man, Dan Lambert is taking on a new role with the Kelowna Rockets.
On the heels of Huska’s resignation to coach the Calgary Flames farm team, the AHL’s Adirondack Flames, Rockets general manager Bruce Hamilton wasted no time naming a new bench boss.
“He’s been groomed for this position and in my mind is fully prepared,” says Hamilton.
Lambert graciously accepted the head coaching gig, flattered Hamilton didn’t go searching for a replacement.
“I’m very grateful they had the trust in giving me this job without opening it up to anyone else,” says Lambert.
Touted as a players’ coach, Lambert says one of his biggest strengths is communicating with his team, treating every player as an individual.
The team has some big holes to fill in the roster, with Myles Bell, the club’s leading scorer, starting netminder Jordon Cooke and two way blueliner Damon Severson all moving on.
“Typically when your 20-year-old’s move on or your special 19-year-old’s you’re losing big parts of the puzzle, but this year biggest part Ryan Huska,” says Lambert.
But the former man at the helm has nothing but confidence.
“He’s going to be an unreal head coach here hes going to do a great job. This team is going to continue to have success, probably even more so with Dan in charge,” says Huska.
Lambert knows he has big shoes to fill, but says he’s ready to dive in.
He also admits he’ll still call on Huska for help.
“I’ll him have to put him on speed dial.”
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