Lambert Resigns to Take Asst. Coach Position with Buffalo

Kelowna Rockets President/GM Bruce Hamilton announced on Monday that head coach Dan Lambert has resigned from the team to take on an assistant coach position with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.

Lambert was in his first year as Rockets head coach and guided the team to the 2015 MasterCard Memorial Cup and WHL Championship last season.

“This was a decision that was very difficult to make,” said Lambert. “I’d like to thank Bruce Hamilton and the Hamilton family and Lorne Frey for giving me an opportunity six years ago to become part of the Rocket family. I would like to thank Ryan Huska, Kim Dillabaugh, Kim Gellert and Ryan Cuthbert for the awesome working environment that was created in the coach’s room. And to all the staff for my first year as a head coach. What a run we had.”

Lambert was hired by the Rockets in June, 2014 after Ryan Huska accepted a position with the Calgary Flames. Lambert was first hired by the Rockets in 2009, shortly after he had closed out a 19-year professional career in North America and Europe.

“We wish Dan well in the future,” said Rockets President/GM Bruce Hamilton. “This is two years in a row we have lost our head coach so it’s tough. But we are about developing our people and we are happy to see Dan move on to the next level.”

Lambert is currently in Buffalo attending the Sabres development camp.

President/GM Bruce Hamilton will start the search for new applicants. All interested, qualified people applying email Bruce Hamilton at [email protected]. No phone calls please.