Rockies Name Assistant Coaches

 June 6, 2009 by Bram Rossman  Provided by ColumbiaValleyNews.com

After adding two assistant coaches to the team’s management roster, if there were one thing the Columbia Valley Rockies can now claim, experience would be top of the list. Earlier this week, Bob Shedden and Brett Moen were both officially introduced as assistant coaches for the 2009 season by general manager Travis Belanger. 

Shedden, a 25-year veteran coach with experience in Bantam AA and Midget AAA hockey, will join Moen aside head coach Rob Rice. Moen will be entering his second year as an assistant coach with the Rockies, while Shedden will be behind the bench for the first time in Invermere.  An RCMP officer, Shedden has worked with youth throughout the province. According to a biography provided, he says he has an understanding of the pressures felt by players who sometimes come from isolated areas. 

“(I’m looking) forward to working with TJ and Rob to provide the best possible environment for players to play and develop,” he said. 

Moen, who is finishing his last year of an electrical apprenticeship, began his involvement with the team as a player in 2005 under then head coach Matt Hughes. Originally from Kamloops, Moen moved to Invermere to play for the Rockies and played three seasons before moving into a coaching role. 

According to his biography, Moen is said to bring an incredible knowledge of the defensive game and a desire to coach at the highest level. 

“I’m looking forward to embarking on a new season and all the exciting challenges presented,” he said. 

Rounding out the Rockies staff this year will be three hockey talent scouts stationed throughout the province. Andy Welsh is a former player for the Rockies who will be scouting on the Island. Richie Kohorst is another former player who will be scouting in the Okanagan and B.C. Interior. Finally, Tim Carter will be working with the local organization as an Alberta scout.