Hockey Operations
General Manager & Head Coach – Simon Ferguson
Simon who is originally from Langley, BC has since made the Okanagan Valley his home upon completing his junior hockey career in 2004. Simon was named Interim Head Coach of the Warriors in 2020 with the Interim label being removed signing a two year extension moving into the 2020/21 season. Prior to accepting the Warriors Head Coach position, Simon spent time as the Head Coach of the Okanagan Rockets in the BC Major Midget League . Simon spent fourteen years playing Junior and Professional hockey. He was part of three Championship teams, including a WHL title with Kelowna in 2003, a Memorial Cup with Kelowna in 2004, and a Calder Cup with Hershey in 2010.
Assistant General Manager & Assistant Coach – Ayrton Nikkel
Ayrton is a Peachland, BC native and is in his fifth year with the Warriors. Prior to coaching, he spent four years in the WHL while splitting his final seasons between the ECHL, the BCHL and the CIS. During Ayrton’s playing career, he won a gold medal with Team BC at the Canada Winter Games and competed with Team Pacific at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge. Ayrton has also spent over a decade working in youth skill development and loves teaching all aspects of the game.
Player Development Consultant – Josh Gorges
Josh continues with the Warriors after spending 13 seasons combined with the San Jose Sharks, Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres. Josh will specialize working closely with individual players both on and off the ice specializing in the mental side of the game and hockey IQ. Before his professional career Josh spent his entire Junior hockey career with the Kelowna Rockets (WHL) where he hoisted the Memorial Cup as Team Captain during the 2003-04 season.
Director of Scouting & Hockey Development – Josh Blanchard
Josh joins the Warriors and returns to hockey following a five year career in the corporate/technology sales world. A Kelowna, BC native, Josh is familiar with the BC Hockey League and the area, having played his minor hockey in the Okanagan awhile suiting up in over 200 career games in the BCHL. Josh comes with a variety of hockey & business experience and is excited to help grow a variety of different areas of the Warriors organization.
Goaltending Coach – Chad Carder
Originally from Calgary Alberta, Chad is entering his 10th season as Warriors goalie coach.
Chad finished his Jr Career with a AJHL Championship with the Grande Prairie Storm, Goaltender of the year award, Goaltending tandem award and 3 All star Appearances.
Previous to moving to Kelowna he was goalie coach and consultant for ATC Goaltending, Camrose Kodiaks of the AJHL and surrounding minor hockey teams and academies.
Chad was also part of the 2015/2016 Warriors team which won BCHL, Western Canada Cup and Royal Bank Cup.
Athletic Therapist- Cassidy Findlay
Cassidy obatined her Diploma in Human Kinetics from Okanagan College before transferring to complete her Bachelor of Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) campus in 2021. From there, Cassidy continued to complete her Post Bachelor Certificate in Athletic Therapy in 2023 at Mount Royal University. Findlay is a Certified Athletic Therapist with the Canadian Athletic Therapist Association and has spent the last four years as a Student Athletic Therapist, working in a variety of sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and hockey. Since graduating, Cassidy has worked with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) during their training camp and with the Vancouver Whitecaps with their youth teams and overnight camps.
Sports Therapist & Mental Skills Coach – Brent Hayter
Hayter has spent much of his life around hockey, providing 25 years of experience as a teacher, coach, power skating instructor, and strength & conditioning coaching. Brent will be supporting the emotional needs of players throughout the pressures of playing at an elite level away from home while helping improve mental skills to increase performance, consistency, and potential on the ice.
