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Vees add to its hockey operations staff

The Penticton Vees add Rockets major midget general manager David Michaud to hockey operations staff
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Penticton Vees

The Penticton Vees have added David Michaud and Steven Cocker to its hockey operations staff.

Michaud has left his position as general manager of the major midget Okanagan Rockets to become director of player development and corporate sales, while Cocker fills the role of director of hockey operations and analytics.

In a team statement, Vees president Fred Harbinson said the organization is always looking for ways to get better.

“As we have grown and established ourselves as one of the elite junior hockey franchises in North America, we are still aware of how the game is constantly evolving," said Harbinson. "The addition of both David and Steven will bring another layer of professionalism to our program."

In his five seasons with the Rockets, Michaud guided the team to a 116-56-28 record. The highlight of Michaud’s tenure, which started in 2010, came during the 2013-2014 season when the Rockets claimed a BCMML championship, a Pacific Regional championship, and national bronze at the Telus Cup in Moose Jaw.

“I’m excited to take the next step in my hockey career and join an organization like the Penticton Vees," said Michaud, in a statement issued by the Rockets. "I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Fred Harbinson over the years, and I know we share many similar values when it comes to the way we treat our players, and develop them for the next levels of hockey. I’m tremendously thankful to BC Hockey for giving me the chance to guide the Rockets for as long as I have. It’s been a true honour to work with the staff and players I’ve had the chance to be involved with over the years.”

Cocker split the last year and a half working for the St. John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Lahti Pelicans in the Finnish SM-Liga U-20 league. Cocker was the director of player development and analytics for the Sea Dogs and a manager for the Pelicans. Cocker has also worked for International Scouting Services and the Cedar Rapids RoughRidgers in the United States Hockey League. The Ontario native graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Leisure Management at Haaga-Helia University in Finland.

Remaining with the organization is directtor of broadcasting and media relations Fraser Rodgers, who will enter his fifth season. He has called four Fred Page Cups, two RBC Cups and one Western Canada Cup and Doyle Cup. He will be joined by Trevor Miller on EZ Rock AM 800.

“It was very important to me to re-sign Fraser; he's done an outstanding job since arriving in Penticton and is an integral part of our program," said Harbinson.

The Vees are also retaining Kyle Hamaguchi as the goaltending coach, Ed Lebler as a skills development coach, Brent Mosses as the strength and condition coach, Matt Miller as video coach, with Nick Fuher and Steve Cawley continuing to serve as assistant coaches to Harbinson. Laura Carleton will remain in a corporate sales and marketing role.