Rockets Record-Holder Brett McLean Joins Vancouver Canucks as Assistant Coach
KELOWNA, BC — The Kelowna Rockets are proud to congratulate alumnus Brett McLean on his hiring as an Assistant Coach with the Vancouver Canucks for the 2025–26 NHL season.
McLean’s name is etched into the history of the Rockets organization, not only as a record-setting forward but as one of the few players to wear the jersey in both Tacoma and Kelowna. A ninth-round pick of the Dallas Stars in the 1997 NHL Draft, McLean’s roots in the WHL began in 1994–95 with the Tacoma Rockets, before the franchise relocated to Kelowna the following season.
Over five seasons with the organization, McLean became one of the most productive players in WHL history and established himself as the most prolific scorer in Rockets franchise history.
A Legacy That Still Stands
McLean remains the all-time leader in nearly every major offensive category for the Rockets:
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Most career goals: 164
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Most career assists: 206
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Most career points: 375
In the 1996–97 season, McLean produced one of the most dominant offensive performances in franchise history, posting 44 goals and 60 assists for 104 points, a total that still ranks among the top single-season marks for the club:
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T-4th most points in a single season
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7th most goals in a season
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6th most assists in a season
McLean was known not only for his offensive instincts, but also for his vision, puck control, and ability to elevate the play of those around him.
From Player to NHL Coach
Following his WHL career, McLean went on to play more than 380 NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers, before embarking on a highly successful European career. He was a Swiss National League (NLA) champion with SC Bern, a Spengler Cup winner with Team Canada, and led the prestigious international tournament in points in 2010–11.
After retiring, McLean transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach in both the AHL (Iowa Wild) and NHL (Minnesota Wild) before returning to Iowa as Head Coach in 2023. His hiring by the Vancouver Canucks this offseason marks a return to the NHL and the continuation of a coaching career that reflects his lifelong commitment to the game.
A Foundational Rocket
Brett McLean is more than a former player; he is a foundational piece of Rockets history. McLean continues to be one of the most impactful players the organization has ever seen.
The Kelowna Rockets congratulate Brett on this next step in his hockey journey and thank him for the legacy he continues to represent within our program.
