Rylan Ferster plans to be in West Kelowna for the long-term.
The B.C. Hockey League’s Warriors this week announced the signing of the 44-year-old head coach and GM to a five-year contract extension
In two seasons with West Kelowna, Ferster has posted 52-42-6-16 regular season record, and guided the Warriors into the Interior Conference final for the second time in club history.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to coach in the BCHL for a long time now,” said Ferster, who coached previously in Victoria and Salmon Arm. “West Kelowna is obviously a great place to coach, and one of the premier franchises in the league. “I’d like to thank the Cheyne family for their gracious offer.
Team owner Mark Cheyne is happy to have Ferster committed to a new deal.
“We knew what we were getting when we initially signed Rylan in 2011,” said Cheyne. “He is great for the team, the community, and the franchise. We couldn’t be happier to keep him around and build some stability.”
With two seasons under his belt, Ferster hopes to continue to build on a solid BCHL program in West Kelowna.
“The staff have all been here a while now, and will continue to be here,” Ferster said. “That’s so important for the recruiting process, and I think future players and parents will appreciate that.”
The deal is also attractive to Ferster from a family perspective as he able to remain close to his twin daughters, Brook and Alyssa.
Ferster was a forward with the 1990 Centennial Cup champion Vernon Lakers.
Ferster is in the process of preparing for the club’s 2013 training camp which will feature more than 40 players and will kick off Aug. 22 at Royal LePage Place.
