For years, Josh Gorges was a familiar sight patrolling the blue line for the Montreal Canadiens, earning respect from teammates and fans alike for his grit, leadership, and unwavering commitment.

After quietly stepping away from the NHL in 2018, Gorges seemed to fade into the background, his name occasionally resurfacing in nostalgic conversations among hockey faithful.

But now, a surprising twist has brought him back into the spotlight—and this time, it’s not as a player. The hockey world is buzzing with speculation as news breaks about Gorges’ latest move, one that reconnects him with his roots and promises to shake up the Western Hockey League in ways few could have predicted.

What led Gorges from his unheralded entry into the NHL to this new chapter in his career? How does a former Canadiens stalwart end up influencing the next generation of hockey talent in his hometown?

And what impact could his return have on a team with championship ambitions and a city hungry for hockey glory?

The answers reveal a story of resilience, loyalty, and unexpected opportunity—one that fans won’t want to miss.

Dive into the full article to uncover the details behind Josh Gorges’ remarkable journey from NHL veteran to a pivotal new role in the game he loves.

Josh Gorges with the Montreal Canadiens.

Photo credit: NHLPA

Josh Gorges retired from the NHL after the 2017/18 season, and now the long-time Canadiens blue liner has joined the Kelowna Rockets as an assistant coach.

Despite going un-drafted, Kelowna native Josh Gorges entered the NHL way back in 2005/06, and would go on to have a very solid career as a defenseman in the worlds top hockey league.

In that time, Gorges would play 783 games for the San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres and most notably the Montreal Canadiens, retiring after the 2017/18 campaign, posting a combined 17 goals and 124 points throughout his career.

A new role in hockey for former Canadiens blue liner Josh Gorges

Now, the 40-year old officially has a new role in hockey, as he has been hired as an assistant coach by the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League, rejoining not only his home town team, but the team he played with for four seasons before entering the NHL, including a title winning squad back in 2002/03.

Gorges will join a team that’s set to host the Memorial Cup and is clearly preparing themselves to be competitive for that opportunity, and with the wealth of experience he’s got at the NHL level and his connection to the team, they couldn’t have found a more perfect person for the role.

Since retirement, Gorges has worked in player development with the West Kelowna Warriors in the BCHL, but now he gets the opportunity in the WHL, and given how much the city means to him and what a talented group they’re set to have this season, it should be a fun campaign for the fans in Kelowna.