Friday, June 7, 2013

KELOWNA ROCKETS: Hoyer Back As Athletic Therapist

Press Release

The Kelowna Rockets are pleased to announce the hiring of Scott Hoyer as the team's new athletic therapist and speed, strength and conditioning coach.

It will be Hoyer's second stint with the Rockets, having worked as the team's athletic therapist from 2000 to 2006, including as a member of the 2004 Memorial Cup championship team. Hoyer replaces Jeff Thorburn, who accepted a position with UBC Okanagan this off-season.

"We wanted to get the best person available and we had a lot of great applicants," said Rockets President and General Manager Bruce Hamilton. "To have a person of Scott's calibre come back  to our organization is huge for our players and for the relationship we have with our doctors."

After beginning with the Rockets n the 2000-01 WHL season, Hoyer  worked as the Rockets' athletic therapist for six seasons. In 2006-07, he joined the NHL's Edmonton Oilers where he worked for two seasons, before returning to the Okanagan to work at the Pursuit of Ecellence Hockey Academy (2008-10) and at the Okanagan Hockey Academy (2010-13).

"I feel fortunate to have another opportunity to work with an organization that has a strong tradition and is committed to winning," said Hoyer. "I am looking forward to working with the Kelowna Rockets players, Bruce Hamilton, the coaches, medical staff and scouting personnel."

Along with his Memorial Cup championship, Hoyer has also won medals with Hockey Canada, working with Team Canada at the 2003 World Junior Hockey Championships in Halifax (silver) as well as a gold medal with Canada's Under-18 team at the World U-18 Championships in 2001.

Rockets head coach Ryan Huska, an assistant coach with the Rockets during Hoyer's first tenure with the Rockets, said it was great to have Hoyer back with the team.

"We are really excited to have Scott re-join our organization," said Huska. "His experiences, both as an athletic therapist and a strength and conditioning coach will be an asset to our staff and to our players."

Former Rockets player Josh Gorges of the Montreal Canadiens, who played in Kelowna during Hoyer's first go around with the team, tweeted that the hiring was a great move for Kelowna.

"Scott is one of the best in the business and the players should feel lucky to get to work with him," said Gorges on his Twitter feed.

Hoyer begins his new position immediately.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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