Adam Foote: Impact on Kelowna Rockets no small feat
KELOWNA, B.C. – When Adam Foote and family arrived in the Okanagan Valley a few years ago, it was apparent they would be around for awhile.
The Kelowna Rockets landed defenceman Cal Foote in the second round, 43rdoverall at the 2013 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. Two years later with the 42ndpick, the Rockets selected forward Nolan Foote.
It would be fair to suggest the elder Foote knows a thing or two about the game.
“Ted Nolan was a player’s coach and Mark Crawford really pushed me,” Foote said when reflecting on who had an impact on his career. “Bob Hartley was a good bench coach and just being around some great leaders like Mike Keane and Patrick Roy.”
If some of that sounds like coach-speak, well…
On Oct. 21, the Rockets relieved then head coach Jason Smith of his duties after the team’s horrid 4-10 start. The next day, general manager Bruce Hamilton announced Adam Foote would take the reins as head coach.
