Rockets Name Former Viper Williamson New Head Coach:

The Okanagan Rockets have named former Vernon Vipers forward & Head Coach-GM Jason Williamson new Head Coach.

Williamson spent nine years in Vernon.  Three as a player (1999-2002)  Three as an Assistant Coach (2008-2011) and three as Head Coach-GM (2011-2014) before stepping down-resigning as Head Coach-GM after two exhibition games into the 2014-15 season.  Williamson spent last season with the Nanaimo Clippers as Director of Scouting and Recruitment.

Williamson was Captain of the Vipers from 2000-2002 & along with former Viper Captain Chris Crowell (2007-2009) are the only two Vipers to be Captain of the team in back to back seasons.  Williamson is also fifth on the Vipers all-time wins list as Head Coach (2011-2014) 81-Wins 70-Losses 6-Ties.

Jason Williamson's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=81172

This is posted on the Rockets website:

Ferguson Steps Down, Williamson Takes The Lead

08/06/15

Meet The Okanagan Rockets New Head Coach

The Okanagan Rockets 2014-15 head coach Simon Ferguson will be stepping down due to personal reasons and family commitments. Ferguson spent one year at the helm of the Okanagan Rockets guiding them to a 4th place finish in the BCMML with a record of 23-12-5.

Stepping up to fill the void will be former Vernon Viper Jason Williamson. Jason had been the head coach and general manager with the Vernon Vipers for four years before stepping down due to personal reasons at the start of the 2014-15 season. He was an assistant coach for three years prior to that. Williamson has made four trips to the RBC Cup, Canada’s National Junior A Championship, winning the national title with the Vipers in 2009 and 2010, and finishing as runner-up in 2011. Jason has also been involved at the national level as an assistant coach for Canada West at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge.

“I believe our boys are in great hands moving forward with Jason heading into the 2015-16 season. Having Jason’s experience from the Junior level and knowledge of the game will be extremely beneficial to our program. Having also been exposed to several RBC Cups, Jason will provide invaluable expertise to our program in dealing with both a long grueling season and short term tournaments” said general manager Braeden Pistawka.  "We would like to wish Simon the best of luck in his future endeavours".