Kelowna Rockets Name Curtis Hamilton General Manager
KELOWNA, BC – The Kelowna Rockets announced today that Curtis Hamilton has been named General Manager, becoming just the second General Manager in franchise history.
Bruce Hamilton, who has served as the Rockets’ General Manager since the franchise began in Tacoma, Washington, in 1991, will remain President and Governor of the team. Hamilton has won four WHL Championships, one Memorial Cup, and has been named WHL Executive of the Year on two occasions (1992-93 and 2002-03).
“Bruce Hamilton is one of the most accomplished hockey executives in WHL history. The WHL extends its congratulations to Bruce on his 35-year tenure as General Manager of the Rockets,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “Bruce was the architect of four WHL Championship teams, a Memorial Cup champion and twice named WHL Executive of the Year. We’re grateful Bruce will continue serving as President of the Rockets and WHL Chairman of the Board and we look forward to welcoming Curtis in his new role as General Manager.”
“My first memory of Bruce was watching him play for the Saskatoon Blades,” said Richard Doerksen, VP, Hockey for the Western Hockey League. “I then got to know him personally when he was scouting for Hartford and Washington. We knew it was going to be a great move for the WHL when the Hamilton family purchased an expansion franchise in Tacoma, WA, with Bruce serving as President and General Manager of the Club. After four seasons in Tacoma, Bruce and family moved the franchise to Kelowna, where his ability to build a championship team became very evident.”
“It is remarkable to see what Bruce has built in Kelowna over the past three decades,” continued Doerksen. “Under Bruce’s leadership, the Rockets have become a model franchise in the Western Hockey League. Four WHL Championships, a Memorial Cup Championship and the continued consistency of winning Kelowna has enjoyed over the years speak to the legacy he leaves behind as General Manager.”
“It will certainly be different working with Kelowna without Bruce as General Manager, as that is the role so many League and team personnel have known him in. At the same time, we are very comfortable with Curtis stepping into the position. Curtis has spent the past several years learning the business working alongside Bruce, and we believe he will do a tremendous job with Bruce available to provide experience and guidance.”
“Bruce has been a fixture in the Western Hockey League for decades and stands as one of the longest-serving and most accomplished General Managers in league history,” said former WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “His ability to identify and develop players, build championship teams, and establish a consistently successful organization is second to none. I have tremendous respect for Bruce and everything he has contributed to the Rockets and the Western Hockey League.”
Curtis Hamilton moves into the role after serving as the Rockets’ Assistant General Manager since December 2022. During that time, he has been involved in all areas of hockey operations, including roster construction, player personnel, scouting, transactions, and the WHL Prospects and CHL Import Drafts.
“I’m very happy with how Curtis has matured and developed into a sound hockey mind, and I’m confident he will do a great job for the Rockets and our fanbase,” said Rockets President & Governor Bruce Hamilton. “I feel this is the right time to bring a younger perspective into the General Manager role. 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.”
“I look forward to continuing as President and Governor of the Rockets, and I’ll always be available for Curtis to bounce ideas off as he grows into this new position. It has been a tremendous honour to serve as General Manager since the club’s inception. I’ve treasured every moment, and I look forward to continuing my involvement with both the Rockets and the Western Hockey League.”
Curtis’ history with the organization began before his move into management. He served as an Assistant Coach with the Rockets during the 2020-21 WHL hub season before returning to professional hockey.
“I’m also very excited for Curtis and the opportunity he has earned to lead the hockey club into its next chapter. He will have an excellent mentor in Bruce, and I look forward to seeing what Curtis and the Rockets accomplish in the years ahead.”
“The WHL extends its congratulations to Curtis Hamilton on being promoted to General Manager of the Kelowna Rockets,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “Following an accomplished playing career that included four seasons with the Saskatoon Blades and 10 years of pro hockey, Curtis has come full circle, developing into one of the great young hockey operations leaders in the WHL – a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and dedication to the sport. We wish him the best as he establishes a new era of Kelowna Rockets hockey.”
Following the conclusion of his playing career in 2022, Hamilton returned to Kelowna full-time as Assistant General Manager. Prior to joining the Rockets’ front office, he earned his Master’s degree in Sports Management from Ulster University in Northern Ireland while playing in the British Elite Ice Hockey League.
“I am excited for the opportunity and challenge of the new role. I look forward to working with the staff, players, and community,” said newly appointed General Manager Curtis Hamilton. “This organization has always had high expectations and that will only continue moving forward.”
A Kelowna product, Hamilton played four seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Saskatoon Blades. His junior career was highlighted by an 82-point season in 2010-11, while he also represented Canada at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship, the IIHF World Junior Championship and the Spengler Cup, which he won in 2018.
Hamilton was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, 48th overall, of the 2010 NHL Draft. He went on to play professionally for 10 seasons across North America and Europe, including one NHL appearance with Edmonton and more than 200 games in the American Hockey League.
His professional career also took him to Czechia, Finland, Austria, and the United Kingdom before his retirement following the 2021-22 season.
