Player Profiles To find out more about a coach or player, click on their picture X Jeff Finley Jersey Number: 0 Position: Coach Shoots: Height: 6'2 Weight: 205 Hometown: Edmonton, AB Age: 41 Birthdate: Apr 14, 1967 Drafted: NY Islanders 1985 Jeff Finley is a WHL Alumni, having spent four seasons with the Portland Winterhawks from 1983-1987. He compiled 30 goals and 156 assists. While in Portland, Jeff was selected in the third round, 55th, overall by the New York Islanders in 1985. He made his NHL debut with the Islanders in 1987. Jeff went on to play 18 seasons of pro hockey that included stops in 6 different NHL cities. One of the hightlights of his career was winning the President’s Trophy with the St. Louis Blues in 2000. The Blues recorded 114 points to lead the league in the regular season standings. Jeff also played for Team Canada at the 2000 World Championships in St. Petersburg, Russia. Jeff was born on April 14, 1967 in Edmonton and spent most of his childhood in Vernon. He has lived in Kelowna during the offseason for the last 20 years. He is married to Tamilee, and they have three sons, Jack, Mason and Max and one daughter, Logan. X Kim Gellert Jersey Number: 0 Position: Coach Shoots: Height: 6'0 Weight: 180 Hometown: Schreiber, ON Age: 54 Birthdate: Dec 31, 1954 Drafted: Gellert has been with the Rockets organization for past four seasons and will continue to work with the players on developing their skills including stick handing and skating X Jeff Thorburn Jersey Number: 0 Position: Trainer Shoots: Height: 6'2 Weight: 225 Hometown: Dalhousie, NB Age: 34 Birthdate: May 14, 1974 Drafted: Jeff is a native of Dalhousie, NB and joined the Rockets on June 26, 2006. Jeff has a vast experience in the Athletic Therapist industry. He received his Kinesiology Degree from the University of Calgary with a major in Athletic Therapy. Jeff then attended Mount Royal College is Calgary where he received his Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy. Jeff is a certified member of the Canadian Athletic Therapists’ Association. He is an emergency Medical Responder and Sports First Responder (including CPR and AED). Jeff also has his Soft Tissue Release Certificate. Jeff’s resume includes • Team Canada Under 18 Team Trainer in 2006• Assistant Trainer with the Calgary Hitmen during the 2003-2004 season. • University of Calgary Football Team Therapist in 2003• Penticton Vees Hockey Club, Fitness Testing and Therapy coverage in 2006• University of Calgary Men’s Basketball Team Therapist in 2002-2003 X Ryan Huska Jersey Number: 0 Position: Coach Shoots: Height: 6'2 Weight: 194 Hometown: Cranbrook, BC Age: 33 Birthdate: Jul 02, 1975 Drafted: Chicago 1993 Ryan Huska is seventh head coach in Rockets franchise history. His first two years in Kelowna, Ryan was one of the part time assistant coaches. After the 2004 championship season, Ryan was promoted to a full time assistant coach and took his place beside Jeff Truitt on the Rockets bench. He helped guide the Rockets to their second WHL championship in 2005. Ryan was born in Cranbook, BC on July 2, 1975 and becomes one of the youngest head coaches in the WHL at the age of 32. He and his wife Denise have two daughters, Hanna, 4 and Olivia 2. Ryan is also a WHL alumni. He played center for the Kamloops Blazers over a four year span and won three Memorial Cups. Ryan compiled 71 goals and recorded 162 points in a Blazers uniform. After his WHL career Ryan signed with the Chicago Blackhawks and played three seasons for their IHL affiliate the Indianapolis Ice. Ryan played one game for the Hawks in the NHL. After the 1998 season Ryan played for the Lowell Lock Monsters of the AHL. His final year on the ice was 1999-2000 where he was a member of the Phoenix Coyotes’ AHL affiliate the Springfield Falcons. After his playing career Ryan went back to school and completed his bachelor of Business Administration degree at Okanagan College. Some of his personal highlights include his 4 Memorial Cup rings - 2004 with the Rockets. 1992, 1994 and 1995 as a member of the Blazers. X Kim Dillabaugh Jersey Number: 0 Position: Coach Shoots: Height: 5'9 Weight: 165 Hometown: Duncan, BC Age: 31 Birthdate: Jul 28, 1977 Drafted: Dillabaugh, a former Rocket, has been part of the coaching staff since 2004. He played in Kelowna from 1994-1997 and has been crucial in developing the Rockets goaltenders. He is also involved with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings as an assistant goaltender coach. X Ryan Cuthbert Jersey Number: 0 Position: Coach Shoots: Height: 5'10 Weight: 193 Hometown: Swift Current, SK Age: 26 Birthdate: Apr 10, 1982 Drafted: Ryan was a five year player for the Rockets from 1998-2003. Ryan captained the Rockets to their first ever WHL Championship and Memorial Cup berth in 2003. He compiled 59 goals and 164 points during his WHL career. From 2003-2006 Ryan split time between the Charlotte Checkers of the East Coast Hockey League and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League. Ryan’s playing career was cut short due to significant injury, which led him to coaching and the Rockets are very happy to have him back with the organization. X Kris Lazaruk Jersey Number: 1 Position: Goal Shoots: Height: 6'1 Weight: 175 Hometown: Edmonton, AB Age: 20 Birthdate: Jun 06, 1988 Drafted: Free Agent Kris was acquired from the Kootenay Ice for a conditional fourth round Bantam Draft pick in 2010 on the eve of the regular season. He is a 6’1, 170 pound goaltender that is entering his fourth season in the Western Hockey League. He played in 51 games with the Ice last season, had an overall record of 26-17-2-2 with two shut outs. During the 2007-2008 playoffs Kris played in 10 games and had a record of 5-3-2 as the Ice defeated the Medicine Hat Tigers in five games in round one, before falling to the eventual Eastern Division champion Lethbridge Hurricanes in the second round. Kris was acquired by the Kootenay Ice in the 2003 WHL Bantam Draft in the seventh round as the 132nd pick overall. In three full seasons with the Ice, Kris had an overall record of 57-31-4-5 in 108 games. Get to know Kris Lazaruk How did you get into hockey? - "My parents and brother introduced me to the game"Favourite NHL player and team - "I like Cam Ward of the Hurricanes and being from Edmonton, I love the Oilers!"Hobbies - "Golfing and water sports"ONE food you can't live without - "Subs, love sub sandwiches"What reality show would you star on? - "Deal or No Deal"If a movie was made about your live, who would play you? -"I think Vince Vaughn would play me."What would be your theme song? - "Eye of the Tiger"#1 pet peeve - "Bad drivers, I can't believe how some people get their drivers license"What are your parent's names and what do they do? - "My Mom, Sandra, is a marketing manager and my Dad, Ernie is a high school counciler." X Collin Bowman Jersey Number: 2 Position: Defense Shoots: R Height: 6'2 Weight: 192 Hometown: Littleton, CO Age: 17 Birthdate: Jun 13, 1991 Drafted: Eligible 2009 Bowman was selected by the Rockets in the second round of the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft, 39th overall.In his rookie season with Kelowna, Bowman saw a ton of ice time playing in 67 games and compiling nine points including two goals. He was named the "Unsung Hero" at the Rockets awards banquet following the regular season.The coaching staff contiunes to have high hopes for Bowman as they are excited to see him develop during his sophomore year. Coach Finley says, “Collin is a steady hard working defenseman that moves the puck well.”This past summer Bowman was invited to play with the Under 18 US Select summer team that played at the Memorial Ivan Hlinka tournament in the Czech Republic where he excelled and could be wearing the red, white and blue in the World Juniors sooner than later. Get to know Collin Bowman: Favourite NHL player & team - "Randy Jones & the Philadelphia Flyers"Favourite sport other than hockey - "Bowling"Life after hockey - "I'd like to get into Law and become a Lawyer"What's on your iPod - "Nothing by Country music"What's the best part about playing in Kelowna - "The fans love the Rockets and this truly is a hockey town"What would be your theme song - "Toby Keith-Should've been a cowboy"What are your parent's names and what do they do - "My Mom, Nancy is self-employed and Mark, my Dad is a general contractor" X Tyler Myers Jersey Number: 3 Position: Defense Shoots: R Height: 6'7" Weight: 211 Hometown: Calgary, AB Age: 18 Birthdate: Feb 01, 1990 Drafted: Buffalo 2008 What a busy offseason for Tyler! He traveled overseas for the Under 18 IIHF World Championships in Kazan, Russia in April. Then headed to Ottawa for the NHL entry draft in June where he was selected 12th overall by the Buffalo Sabres. He then had an extended experience at the Sabres Rookie
To find out more about a coach or player, click on their picture
Jeff Finley is a WHL Alumni, having spent four seasons with the Portland Winterhawks from 1983-1987. He compiled 30 goals and 156 assists. While in Portland, Jeff was selected in the third round, 55th, overall by the New York Islanders in 1985.
He made his NHL debut with the Islanders in 1987. Jeff went on to play 18 seasons of pro hockey that included stops in 6 different NHL cities. One of the hightlights of his career was winning the President’s Trophy with the St. Louis Blues in 2000. The Blues recorded 114 points to lead the league in the regular season standings.
Jeff also played for Team Canada at the 2000 World Championships in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Jeff was born on April 14, 1967 in Edmonton and spent most of his childhood in Vernon. He has lived in Kelowna during the offseason for the last 20 years. He is married to Tamilee, and they have three sons, Jack, Mason and Max and one daughter, Logan.
Jeff is a native of Dalhousie, NB and joined the Rockets on June 26, 2006. Jeff has a vast experience in the Athletic Therapist industry. He received his Kinesiology Degree from the University of Calgary with a major in Athletic Therapy. Jeff then attended Mount Royal College is Calgary where he received his Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy.
Jeff is a certified member of the Canadian Athletic Therapists’ Association. He is an emergency Medical Responder and Sports First Responder (including CPR and AED). Jeff also has his Soft Tissue Release Certificate.
Jeff’s resume includes • Team Canada Under 18 Team Trainer in 2006• Assistant Trainer with the Calgary Hitmen during the 2003-2004 season. • University of Calgary Football Team Therapist in 2003• Penticton Vees Hockey Club, Fitness Testing and Therapy coverage in 2006• University of Calgary Men’s Basketball Team Therapist in 2002-2003
Ryan Huska is seventh head coach in Rockets franchise history.
His first two years in Kelowna, Ryan was one of the part time assistant coaches. After the 2004 championship season, Ryan was promoted to a full time assistant coach and took his place beside Jeff Truitt on the Rockets bench. He helped guide the Rockets to their second WHL championship in 2005.
Ryan was born in Cranbook, BC on July 2, 1975 and becomes one of the youngest head coaches in the WHL at the age of 32. He and his wife Denise have two daughters, Hanna, 4 and Olivia 2.
Ryan is also a WHL alumni. He played center for the Kamloops Blazers over a four year span and won three Memorial Cups. Ryan compiled 71 goals and recorded 162 points in a Blazers uniform. After his WHL career Ryan signed with the Chicago Blackhawks and played three seasons for their IHL affiliate the Indianapolis Ice. Ryan played one game for the Hawks in the NHL. After the 1998 season Ryan played for the Lowell Lock Monsters of the AHL. His final year on the ice was 1999-2000 where he was a member of the Phoenix Coyotes’ AHL affiliate the Springfield Falcons.
After his playing career Ryan went back to school and completed his bachelor of Business Administration degree at Okanagan College.
Some of his personal highlights include his 4 Memorial Cup rings - 2004 with the Rockets. 1992, 1994 and 1995 as a member of the Blazers.
Ryan was a five year player for the Rockets from 1998-2003. Ryan captained the Rockets to their first ever WHL Championship and Memorial Cup berth in 2003. He compiled 59 goals and 164 points during his WHL career. From 2003-2006 Ryan split time between the Charlotte Checkers of the East Coast Hockey League and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League.
Ryan’s playing career was cut short due to significant injury, which led him to coaching and the Rockets are very happy to have him back with the organization.
Kris was acquired from the Kootenay Ice for a conditional fourth round Bantam Draft pick in 2010 on the eve of the regular season.
He is a 6’1, 170 pound goaltender that is entering his fourth season in the Western Hockey League. He played in 51 games with the Ice last season, had an overall record of 26-17-2-2 with two shut outs. During the 2007-2008 playoffs Kris played in 10 games and had a record of 5-3-2 as the Ice defeated the Medicine Hat Tigers in five games in round one, before falling to the eventual Eastern Division champion Lethbridge Hurricanes in the second round.
Kris was acquired by the Kootenay Ice in the 2003 WHL Bantam Draft in the seventh round as the 132nd pick overall. In three full seasons with the Ice, Kris had an overall record of 57-31-4-5 in 108 games.
Get to know Kris Lazaruk
How did you get into hockey? - "My parents and brother introduced me to the game"Favourite NHL player and team - "I like Cam Ward of the Hurricanes and being from Edmonton, I love the Oilers!"Hobbies - "Golfing and water sports"ONE food you can't live without - "Subs, love sub sandwiches"What reality show would you star on? - "Deal or No Deal"If a movie was made about your live, who would play you? -"I think Vince Vaughn would play me."What would be your theme song? - "Eye of the Tiger"#1 pet peeve - "Bad drivers, I can't believe how some people get their drivers license"What are your parent's names and what do they do? - "My Mom, Sandra, is a marketing manager and my Dad, Ernie is a high school counciler."
Bowman was selected by the Rockets in the second round of the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft, 39th overall.In his rookie season with Kelowna, Bowman saw a ton of ice time playing in 67 games and compiling nine points including two goals. He was named the "Unsung Hero" at the Rockets awards banquet following the regular season.The coaching staff contiunes to have high hopes for Bowman as they are excited to see him develop during his sophomore year. Coach Finley says, “Collin is a steady hard working defenseman that moves the puck well.”This past summer Bowman was invited to play with the Under 18 US Select summer team that played at the Memorial Ivan Hlinka tournament in the Czech Republic where he excelled and could be wearing the red, white and blue in the World Juniors sooner than later.
Get to know Collin Bowman:
Favourite NHL player & team - "Randy Jones & the Philadelphia Flyers"Favourite sport other than hockey - "Bowling"Life after hockey - "I'd like to get into Law and become a Lawyer"What's on your iPod - "Nothing by Country music"What's the best part about playing in Kelowna - "The fans love the Rockets and this truly is a hockey town"What would be your theme song - "Toby Keith-Should've been a cowboy"What are your parent's names and what do they do - "My Mom, Nancy is self-employed and Mark, my Dad is a general contractor"
What a busy offseason for Tyler! He traveled overseas for the Under 18 IIHF World Championships in Kazan, Russia in April. Then headed to Ottawa for the NHL entry draft in June where he was selected 12th overall by the Buffalo Sabres. He then had an extended experience at the Sabres Rookie
