It has been 15 years since Brandon McMillan set foot in Prospera Place as a 91大黄鸭 Rocket鈥攖his coming season, he will step behind the bench as an assistant coach.
The Rockets have hired the journeyman forward for the 2025鈥�26 season as McMillan returns to the place where his junior career began in 2006-07.
He joins the coaching staff alongside Head Coach Derrick Martin and Associate Coach Don Hay, bringing with him over 15 years of elite playing experience across the NHL, AHL, KHL, DEL, and international competition.
鈥淏randon brings passion, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the game at its highest levels,鈥� said Rockets President and General Manager Bruce Hamilton. 鈥淎s a player, he was a competitor, a leader, and someone who gave everything he had every night. We鈥檙e excited to help him take the next step in his hockey journey and welcome him back to the Rockets family.鈥�
McMillan played with the Rockets from 2006 to 2010. He was a vital part of the Rockets' 2009 WHL Championship team, which went on to compete in the 2009 Memorial Cup.
鈥淎 former third-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks (85th overall, 2008), McMillan鈥檚 speed, grit, and versatility made him a staple in the Rockets' lineup during a dominant stretch of the franchise鈥檚 history,鈥� a Rockets鈥� media release said.
McMillan began his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks in 2010鈥�11. He also had stints with the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes and Vancouver Canucks. McMillan played overseas in the Kontinental Hockey League, Swiss National League, and Deutsche Eishockey Liga. He most recently suited up for the Schwenninger Wild Wings in Germany during the 2024鈥�25 season.
McMillan鈥檚 international resume includes representing Canada at the U18 and U20 World Championships, winning gold in 2008 (U18) and winning silver in 2010 (U20). He was also part of a Spengler Cup win in 2022 with HC Ambr矛-Piotta.
The Rockets said McMillan will work closely with the team鈥檚 young forward group, focusing on skill development, game preparation, and leadership.
91大黄鸭 opens training camp in late August, preparing for a season that includes hosting the 2026 Memorial Cup.
