Welcome to the future of Rockets Hockey in Golden, British Columbia! We trust this message finds you at the top of your game because we believe you have what it takes to be a perfect fit for our organization. We aren’t just on the lookout for exceptional hockey players; we are scouting for outstanding individuals who uphold the highest standards both on and off the ice.
Our dream is to assemble a team of players whose work ethic, determination, and love for the game is unparalleled. Our vision extends beyond the present we’re crafting the foundation for a powerhouse. We are about to embark on a journey that the Golden Rocket’s hockey program has never witnessed, and the prospect of you being part of this extraordinary journey with us is truly something special
Armed with a dynamic new coaching staff, with top-tier sport performance expertise and an unmatched hockey IQ, the Rocket’s future is undeniably bright. We take pride in our ability to elevate athletes to the next level through our extensive hockey connections and countless hours devoted to refining your game This ensures you acquire the skills needed to compete at the highest level
Our commitment to you extends far beyond the arena walls. We value players who understand the impact of their influence and take pride in signing autographs for our young fan base who will idolize you. We are looking for individuals who shine not only on the ice but also actively engage with the community of Golden, recognizing the power they hold to uplift and inspire others
Join us in the pursuit of success. The momentum is building, and with the support of an entire Golden community behind us, we believe that greatness lies on the horizon.
www.kijhl.ca
Originally founded in 1968, the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) is a Junior A hockey league based in British Columbia, Canada The 20-team league has a proven track record of developing quality hockey players looking to take the next step in their competitive playing careers.
KIJHL alumni players have gone on to play in the NHL, the NCAA, the CJHL and in European professional hockey leagues. Teams play in front of packed crowds and receive a steady flow of scouts travelling through western Canada and the northwest United States searching for prospects.
“Our mission at the Golden Rockets is to cultivate a culture of excellence and success, achieved through perennial winning, accountability, and the advancement of our players propelling young athletes to the highest level of hockey they can achieve. We are committed to their personal development, emphasizing life skills, effective communication, and teamwork, while instilling a culture that contributes back to the community of Golden through volunteering and community involvement that ensures sustained success in life both on and off the ice.”
Jed Houseman - Head Coach & General Manager
Jared successfully transitioned from his own extensive competitive hockey career to coaching, after playing 15 seasons with the Central Butte Flyers of the SVHL. As a player in the SVHL, he played with and against numerous past and present NHL, AHL, WHL, CIS, NCAA and Junior A players, gaining valuable technical and tactical knowledge. Jared has evaluated hockey at the national level and has been involved with coaching for team Saskatchewan He worked as a coach mentor for the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Assoc. & has been involved with BC Hockey as an evaluator for their Program of Excellence. He originally joined the Golden Rockets organization at the start of 2022-23 season as an Assistant Coach He was promoted to Head Coach and General Manager during the 2023-24 season, having demonstrated strong leadership skills and a passion for teaching the game. Jared has completed both his Development 1 and High Performance 1 coaching certifications where he had the opportunity to learn from many NHL, NCAA, WHL and Olympic gold medal coaches. He attended the NHL Global Coaches Clinic this past summer in Nashville, where he got the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds in the game.
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Ralph retired from professional hockey in 2020, having played 17 illustrious seasons and over 900 games as a defenceman in the Swiss National League, winning three championships. During his time there, he matched up against Austin Matthews, Roman Josi and many other NHL players. Beyond the rink, Ralph has dedicated himself to the world of sports management, coupling his on-ice expertise with academic pursuits He honed his coaching prowess through various courses in Switzerland and is currently working on the completion of his Development
Canada. In addition, Ralph has served as a Player Safety Officer for the Swiss National League for the past two years, ensuring the integrity and well-being of athletes both on and off the ice. His passion for the game extends beyond the thrill of competition; it’s about nurturing talent, shaping futures, and pushing the boundaries of excellence.
Cole joined the Rockets organization during the 2023-24 season, bringing with him a wealth of experience in hockey and sports performance Holding his Development 1 certification, he has spent many years honing young athletes in minor league hockey through skill development initiatives. Beyond his passion for playing and coaching hockey, Cole has carved out a career focused on crafting championship teams His journey includes a remarkable 12-season stint as an engineer and NASCAR crew chief, where he
achieved the distinction of becoming the only Canadian to win a NASCAR championship while serving as a crew chief. Cole is a proven winner who understands the essence of building a championship culture. His diverse background brings a unique perspective to the Rockets, ensuring a dynamic approach to achieving greatness on and off the ice
This season, the Rockets have added a goalie coach to their lineup. Josh, a seasoned player himself, spent two seasons with the Midget AAA Saskatoon Blazers before earning a promotion to the Kindersley Klippers of the SJHL. His exceptional skills earned him the league’s rookie of the year award. Josh’s outstanding performance secured him a scholarship to play for the NCAA Division I Colorado College Tigers, where he spent four seasons and graduated with a degree. Josh is passionate about advancing our goalies’ development and skills both on and off the ice.
“I’M READY TO GUIDE THIS TEAM WHERE IT NEEDS TO GO, ENHANCING THE CULTURE AND PROVIDING THE STRUCTURE NEEDED TO WIN HOCKEY GAMES. I HAVE GREAT CONFIDENCE IN OUR COACHING STAFF, INCLUDING RALPH’S EXTENSIVE PROFESSIONAL PLAYING EXPERIENCE AND COLE’S CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPETITIVE SPORTS. IT’S BEEN A GREAT DYNAMIC SO FAR. I’M SURE OUR ATHLETES WOULD ATTEST.”
JED HOUSEMAN - HEAD COACH & GENERAL MANAGER
Rocket players benefit from plenty of ice time!
The players are on the ice daily and get to play 2-3 league games per week. Our weekly player skill development program focuses on position-specific training for forwards, defensemen, and goalies Players are immersed in position-specific drills, gaining the expertise needed for their roles on the ice Paired with team tactical skill sessions later in the week, this fosters cohesive and strategic gameplay.
To enhance learning further, our program includes classroom theory sessions and video sessions, providing a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to player skill development
The Rockets have partnered with Base Health & Wellness for comprehensive player strength and conditioning. Base Health & Wellness’ program focuses on strength, speed, power, conditioning (aerobic and anaerobic), athleticism, nutrition, and recovery for optimal performance. Our goals include enhancing athleticism, improving performance, and injury prevention While injury prevention is not guaranteed, our plyometric, agility, flexibility, and strength training programs aim to reduce the chances. We prepare players for the demands of hockey positions through multidirectional, functional training within a safe range of motion.
Scheduled team video sessions, encompassing both line and individual analyses, play a pivotal role in our strategic approach During these sessions, we break down opponents’ tendencies, scrutinize special teams, strategize set plays, and delve into goalie tendencies This dedicated study time empowers our players with in-depth insights to elevate their performance on the ice.
The Rockets play at the legendary Plywood Palace Arena in front of some of the most passionate fans in the league The arena includes a Hockey Operations office, team video room, equipment room and trainer room. The player dressing room has been recently renovated and includes a fridge, washer & dryer, TV displays and a stationary bike. Players also have access to several gyms and training facilities in the town of Golden
Our coaching staff is committed to your individual growth. Collaborating closely with each player, we craft personalized development plans pinpointing specific areas for improvement, guaranteeing you unlock your full potential on the ice. Our goal is to propel you to the next level, and we will leverage our extensive hockey connections in Canada, Europe and the United States to ensure players continue progressing on their upward trajectory.
“OUR COACHING TEAM IS COMMITTED TO PINPOINTING SPECIFIC AREAS FOR IMPROVEMNET GUARENTEEING YOU UNLOCK YOUR FULL POTENTIAL”
"Moving to Golden was the start for me. First time away from home, first time in competitive hockey. The Rockets gave me an opportunity to build my skills and habits to move on to higher levels which turned into a scholarship to Michigan State University. From there I went on to play 5 years of pro in the US and Europe. A chance is all anyone needs and what they do with it is their choice. I’ll be forever grateful to the Golden Rockets for supporting the start of my young career."
- Mike Lalonde, Rockets Alumni“Playing for the Golden Rockets were some of the best times for me. I am currently playing in the BCIHL for the Logan Lake Miners and playing in Golden is the whole reason. Golden gave me the opportunity to move to the next level and the community there is some of the best people I have met. I moved billet houses every year and each year I met family I still talk to and visit frequently!”
- Jordan Lario, former Rockets’ Captain“Playing for the Golden Rockets created unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime From the electrifying atmosphere of the fanpacked Golden ice barn, to working alongside friends at the mill to earn some extra spending money and sharing laughs and home-cooked meals with the best billets in the league, this town was truly the place to play Junior hockey I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Following my time with them Rockets, I journeyed north to Alaska, where I spent my final year playing for the Kenai Peninsula Hellfighters in the WSHL. Transitioning from junior hockey, I’ve dedicated the past 25 years to the technology industry I now reside with my wife and two children in the Cayman Islands. Even today, I attribute much of who I am to my earlier experiences playing hockey and the invaluable life skills it instilled in me.”
- Jeff Hart, Rockets Alumnihttps://www.goldenrockets.com/alumni
https://www.kijhl.ca/alumni
www.tourismgolden.com
www.kickinghorseresort.com
Playing for the Rockets is only half the fun. The town of Golden and the surrounding area is an amazing place to live and explore. Golden is home to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, a world class ski resort with the fourth highest vertical drop (1,350m/ 4,314 ft) in North America. With champagne powder in the winter and downhill mountain biking and hiking in the summer, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers yearround adventure. Golden is also within driving distance to Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Panorama Mountain Village.
Situated at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, the town of Golden is located at the heart of six stunning national parks Golden is home to approximately 4,500 residents and passionate hockey fans. Logging, the Canadian Pacific Railway, and tourism are the top three industries in town.
A passionate hockey enthusiast, Cruz has spent the past two seasons with the Rockets. In addition to his role as the team’s trainer and equipment manager, he provides crucial insights to Rockets players by conducting video analytics and preparing in-depth pre-scouting reports on the opposition’s goalies. Cruz also assists with the team’s logistical coordination.
Maddie, one of the coaches at Base Health & Wellness, has collaborated with the Golden Rockets for the past three seasons. She’s developed a tailored program that addresses individual player needs while meeting essential hockey specific criteria. Her approach encompasses various fundamental exercises and drills, focusing on reflexes, balance, flexibility, lateral movement, acceleration, deceleration, and power critical elements for hockey. Maddie is passionate about bridging the gap
between physical and mental wellness. Maddie has previous experience of working with clients who have limitations, such as post surgery, chronic illness, mental illness and concussions
Golden has an incredible network of Drs, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors,Massage Therapist and many other allied healthcare professionals. Our mountain town attracts the highest calibre of medical specialists who come here to work and play. Amongst others we work closely with;
Dr Nick Tan & Dr Adam Watchorn Team Doctors
Dr Shane Van Biezen Team Dentist
Dr Rebecca Kolbensen Team Optometrist
The team has strong relationships with fantastic billet families that offer a warm and enriching experience for the players. The Rockets have a dedicated billet coordinator to assist with the relocation process and help players settle in Billet families are the experts on everything Golden and will often take their players out to explore the town and local attractions All placements are thoroughly vetted by the team.
“OUR VISION EXTENDS BEYOND THE PRESENT— WE’RE CRAFTING THE FOUNDATION FOR A POWERHOUSE. WE ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON A JOURNEY THAT THE GOLDEN ROCKET’S HOCKEY PROGRAM HAS NEVER WITNESSED”
We enjoy spending time with the players off the ice, engaging in fun activities that bring out the best in our young athletes. Previously we’ve enjoyed; ice skating at Lake Louise; attending Calgary FLames NHL games; hiking and bbq at Thompson Falls; Softball games; Ski days at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort; Whitewater rafing with Glacier Rafting & 5 pin bowling.
Being part of the Golden Rockets means being part of a larger community.
The team actively engages with local schools and organizations, providing opportunities for our players to give back and be positive role models.
“The Golden Rockets program has been focusing on developing citizens as well as hockey players. The team has been active in the community, volunteering at the Golden Food Bank, the Golden Senior’s Centre, reading at school and working with and raising funds with the Little Mittens Animal Rescue Association. Players have also been providing snow shoveling services to seniors in our town. The program has given players leadership roles with our Minor Hockey Association, helping kids develop a love of sports that they can take with them into adulthood, ensuring that the spirit of the game will endure in Golden. Go Rockets Go!”
- Ron Oszust, Mayor Town of Goldenhttps://cotr.bc.ca/
golden@cotr.bc.ca
https://gss.sd6.bc.ca/ mike.archibald@sd6.bc.ca
We understand that your education is a top priority Our team is committed to providing academic support to ensure you excel both on the ice and in the classroom. With Golden being home to a high school and college, our student-athletes have the resources needed to excel academically
Rocky Mountain Inspired Small College Proud
Each year, the College of the Rockies provides education and instruction in a wide variety of programs to approximately 2100 fulltime equivalent students, including close to 200 international students from more than 30 countries. Their state-of-the-art campuses and facilities are meeting the East Kootenay’s steadily growing demand for skilled workers and employees. The Golden campus offers a variety of educational programs
GSS has an experienced and dedicated staff, with the Vice Principal, Mike Archibald, in the role of Academic Advisor to the team. Students have access to the full range of provincial curriculum, including French Immersion courses, and locally developed curriculum that is engaging and relevant. Support teams are available to monitor student programs and to help facilitate transition to colleges, universities, or the workforce
Showcase your skills and let us witness firsthand the talent and determination you bring to the game. Details about the Rockets’ 2024-2025 tryouts will be provided upon submitting your interest to play. Tryouts are expected to take place in June & August.
Reach out to our recruitment team for more information or to schedule a meeting. We are here to answer any questions you may have and provide additional insights you might need to decide to join our team.
“WE ARE ON THE BRINK OF A MAJOR TRANSFORMATION FOR THE GOLDEN ROCKETS HOCKEY CLUB. WE’VE ENLISTED COACHES WITH PROFESSIONAL PLAYING EXPERIENCE AND CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE AND ARE POISED TO INSTILL A WINNING CULTURE THAT WILL MANIFEST ITSELF ON AND OFF THE ICE. WE ARE EAGER TO HAVE A PLAYER OF YOUR CALIBER JOIN US ON THIS EXCITING JOURNEY”.
www.goldenrockets.com
Head Coach & General Manager
Jed Houseman
jhouseman@goldenrockets.com
Assistant Coach - Skill Development
Ralph Stalder
rstalder@goldenrockets.com
Assistant Coach - Team Performance
Cole Pearn
cpearn@goldenrockets.com
Assistant Coach - Goaltending
Josh Thorimbert
jthorimbert@goldenrockets.com
Photography
Bill Pringle
Bill Pringle Photography
