Sunday, June 5, 2011

Rivermen name new coach, assistants and staff

Press Release

The Langley Rivermen have found the man that will guide them into their first season under new ownership and with the new team name.

Former Abbotsford Heat assistant Steve O'Rourke was introduced by the club in a media conference Thursday afternoon at the Langley Events Centre. O'Rourke spent two years with the Calgary Flames top farm club in the American Hockey League and prior to that was head instructor at the Okanagan Hockey Academy.

His professional playing career included stops in the UHL, ECHL and Europe.

"We were excited to have the opportunity to bring in a head coach and general manager with Steve's background," said Rivermen co-owner Roy Henderson, adding there was never any debate after his first meeting O'Rourke. "He wants to help these young players get to the next level and I know he'll connect with this community."

Joining O'Rourke behind the bench will be Henderson's eldest son Bobby, 29. Bobby spent last season with the Mission Ice Breakers of the Pacific International Junior Hockey League. A BCHL alum, Bobby played five seasons with the Chilliwack Chiefs before accepting a scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Jordan Emmerson will be an assistant coach with the club too. Emmerson played two years in the BCHL before taking a scholarship to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.

Several staff members were named Thursday at the media conference. Pasco Valana will be the goalie coach, Kirk Starr will be head scout, Wayne Hubbard will be the team's trainer, and Taylor Henderson, Roy's youngest son, will be the Rivermen's director of operations.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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