Cutter Comes Full Circle/Rockets Look to Southwest Saskatchewan

• When you have the franchises best captain in your own backyard, doesn't it only make sense to put him to work? That's the Kelowna Rockets philosophy by adding Ryan Cuthbert to the coaching staff, as an assistant. Cuthbert is arguably the best captain the Rockets have ever had, helping the team win it's first WHL title in 2003. Cuthbert won't be traveling with the team (the exception may be the occasional Kamloops/Chilliwack/Vancouver stop) but will be a welcome addition at home games and during practice sessions. The guy is all about intensity, and will be able to give a player a kick in the pants when needed.
• The Rockets organization has announced a new website will be born on September 1st. Few details are being released, but the general feedback is the website is one of the best in the WHL as is. I am sure the organization will only add upon it's current successes.
• Just in case you have had your head in the sand, Oldies 1150 is changing it's format in September. The music will be gone, and will change to a News-Sports-Talk format. Rockets broadcasts will continue to be heard on www.okoldies.ca along with Canucks hockey when it doesn't interfere with our Rockets broadcasts. David Michaud and I have few tricks up our sleeves for this season, which is designed to bring Rockets fans even more information on the team. Our blogs will likely change location when the season starts, and will be found exclusively on the Oldies website. For now though, the blogs remain where they are.
• The Rockets organization has had success in the past bringing in players from Southwest Saskatchewan for a tryout. Look no further than to Stanley Cup champion Travis Moen, or how about Ryan Cuthbert. Let's don't forget about J.J Hunter. All three were invited t o camp and made the team. So this fall the Rockets have invited 15 year-old Riley Grose from Swift Current, Saskatchewan to the teams rookie camp. Grose is the son of Rod Grose for all of you Swift Current readers.
• Barry Brust, Blake Comeau and Chris Ray have been added to the long list of players taking part in the August 19th fundraiser for a 13 year-old Westside boy battling cancer. The fundraiser will be held at the new Royal Lepage Place arena. Even former New York lslander Bob Borne will be taking part, as one of the coaches during the fundraising hockey game. Borne, who has more Stanley Cup rings than you can shake your stick at, sells real estate in Kelowna.
• If your wondering, Rockets rookie camp opens Wednesday August 22nd with registration. The first on-ice session is Thursday August 23rd at 8 am. Camp runs until Sunday August 26th. Are you as excited as I am to see Luke Moffatt? More on his status tomorrow.