The Columbia Valley Rockies have announced two significant changes in the organization for the 2020/21 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season.

The club announced on social media that Briar McNaney will be the new head coach of the Rockies while former head coach Wade Dubielewicz will move into the role of general manager for the club.

Following his pro hockey career in the NHL as a goaltender for the New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild, along with a stint with Ak Bars of the Kontinental Hockey League, Dubielewicz was the Rockies’ head coach for eight seasons.

Before that he cut his teeth as a member of the Rockies, before joining Fernie Ghostriders of the then RMJHL, then to the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL and Chilliwack Chiefs before being a standout with the University of Denver.

McNaney, a Rockies’ alumni, has been on the bench as the full time assistant coach for the past three seasons.

“I’m very excited for Briar to take this opportunity on. There is no question he will be a very successful coach this year and many years moving forward at many levels,” Dubielewicz said.

Lead image: Wade Dubielewicz, left, with Briar McNaney. Columbia Valley Rockies photo

e-KNOW

---

Article Share

---