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The Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League regret to announce that assistant coach Ryan Cuthbert has resigned from the Rockets for personal reasons.

Cuthbert, a Swift Current native, has been an assistant coach with the Rockets for the past five seasons but has decided to move in a different direction.

“This is a personal choice for me,” said Cuthbert. “I’m going to explore different opportunities. I think of the Hamilton family and the Rockets as my family. I want to thank them for the opportunity to work for what I believe is the best junior organization in Canada and for their continued support through this transition."

Over a five year career as a player with the Rockets, Cuthbert became one of the most popular captains in Rockets history. After a minor pro career was cut short due to injury, Cuthbert returned to Kelowna where he spent the past five years as a Rockets’ assistant coach.

“At this time Ryan feels he needs to step away from the game for a period of time,” said Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton. "We plan to assist Ryan as he makes this transition from the game as he is a member of the Rockets family and always will be"

The Rockets will keep its existing coaching staff intact and the club has no plans to replace Cuthbert behind the bench.