Kelowna Rockets assistant coaches Kris Mallette and Travis Crickard have both been tapped by Hockey Canada to take part in Under-17 and Under-18 Hockey Canada programs this summer.
Mallette has been named a guest coach for the Under-18 program while Crickard has been named video coach for one of Team Canada’s World Under-17 teams.
Both Rockets coaches attended a Hockey Canada event on the weekend and were named to their respective positions this week.
“To be able to represent your country in any facet is a huge honour,” said Mallette. “That was a goal for me once I took the position with the Rockets; I wanted to be involved with Hockey Canada. It’s an elite group of coaches and the knowledge you can pick up from everyone is outstanding. It was pretty special to be thought of in that process.”
Mallette will work with the Under-18 program as a guest coach before the team takes part in the annual Ivan Hlinka U-18 World Championships this summer.
For his part, Crickard has been named video coach for Team Black that will compete this fall in the World Under-17 championship. Crickard will attend an evaluation camp in late July and will also go to the tournament this fall.
“To me this is really special,” said Crickard. “This is for my country now and it’s like I have a renewed passion for the a game. You have a responsibility to team, family, Hockey Canada and country. I’m really excited for this opportunity to learn from a number of great coaches.”