That said, a virtual unknown in Western Hockey League circles is the new head coach of the defending league champion.
Let me introduce 34 year-old Brad Ralph.
Name sound familiar? Likely not. Ralph has been the head coach of the East Coast Hockey League's Idaho Steelheads for the last four seasons and has been mighty successful.
Ralph was born in Richmond, Ontario and played his junior hockey with the OHL's Oshawa Generals. Ya, that is the same team that just beat the Rockets in the Memorial Cup final. Don't hold that against him.
Ralph played just one game in the NHL, suiting up for the Phoenix Coyotes (now Arizona), the team that drafted him in the second round in 1999.
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I was up in Kelowna for vacation last week and saw the announcment make the "front page, above the fold" in the Courier.
Contrast that to here in Portland, where Winterhawks news MAY be buried on page 3 of the sport pages, if reported at all.
Everywhere I went in Kelowna; restaurants, golf courses... everyone was aware of the Rockets (and the Winterhawks) and I was amazed by the community spirit.
Best of luck Coach, and the Rockets... lets have another playoff date next spring.
Cheers, Mike J, (the Mayor of Widmer in Winterhawks-land)
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