Former Cranbrook Townsman sports editor Taylor Rocca has been appointed as the manager of communications for the WHL.
Rocca, who spent two years reporting on the Kootenay Ice for the Townsman from 2014-2016, left Cranbrook to join the WHL as communications coordinator.
“It’s an incredible honour and privilege to have been selected for this role with the Western Hockey League,” Rocca said. “I’m eager for the opportunity to continue building the WHL brand to new and exciting levels across Western Canada and the United States.”
A native of Calgary, Rocca replaces Cody St. Laurent, who headed up WHL communications for three years.
In his role, Rocca will be responsible for managing all aspects of the WHL Communications department, including the WHL Online Network, WHL.ca, WHL Live and all WHL social media channels.
Key within Rocca’s role will be the promotion of the WHL Scholarship program and pursuing continued growth of the WHL’s relationship with the Canada West university hockey program.
“We are very pleased to have Taylor take on an elevated role with the Western Hockey League,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “We believe Taylor’s experience as a former journalist and a graduate of the WHL Internship program makes him ideally suited to manage our communications department and deliver key messages regarding the WHL brand.”
Rocca is a graduate of the WHL Internship program, having completed a summer internship from May through August 2010.
Prior to joining the WHL Office in September 2016, he earned degrees in Recreation, Sports and Tourism (University of Alberta) and Journalism (Thompson Rivers University).