Curtis Hamilton named Kelowna Rockets general manager
Rockets new Genral Manager, Curtis Hamilton (Image Credit: Kelowna Rockets Hockey Club)
The Kelowna Rockets are turning to a familiar face to lead their hockey operations, naming Curtis Hamilton as the second general manager in franchise history.
Hamilton takes over from his father, Bruce Hamilton, who has held the position since the franchise began in Tacoma, Wash., in 1991. Bruce Hamilton will remain as the Rockets’ president and governor after more than 35 years as general manager.
Bruce Hamilton oversaw four Western Hockey League championships and a Memorial Cup title during his tenure, and was twice named WHL executive of the year.
“I feel this is the right time to bring a younger perspective into the general manager role,” Bruce Hamilton said in a release Wednesday. “After more than 35 years, and with how today’s athletes and the game continue to evolve, the time is right for me to move into a different role.”
Curtis Hamilton, 35, has been the Rockets’ assistant general manager since December 2022 and has been involved in roster construction, scouting, player transactions and the WHL and CHL drafts.
He also previously worked as an assistant coach with Kelowna during the 2020-21 WHL hub season.
The Kelowna product played four seasons with the Saskatoon Blades before embarking on a 10-year professional career. He was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, 48th overall, in the 2010 NHL draft and made one NHL appearance with the club. He also played more than 200 American Hockey League games and spent time playing professionally in Europe.
Hamilton said he is looking forward to taking on the new role and maintaining the high expectations established by the organization.
“This organization has always had high expectations and that will only continue moving forward,” he said.
WHL commissioner Dan Near called Curtis Hamilton one of the league’s emerging hockey operations leaders and said Bruce Hamilton’s experience will provide valuable guidance as his son takes over.
Bruce Hamilton will also continue as chairman of the WHL board.
