He's Called Mr. September...

• Former major league great Reggie Jackson was called Mr. October for his exploits in the playoffs. Rockets 19 year-old forward Myles MacRae could be called Mr. September, considering he has five goals in the pre-season, and had as many in last years exhibition season. In talking to Myles on Thursday, he knows he needs to 'bring it' when the regular season starts, and has to continue to flex his offensive muscles all season long. He should be given his fair chance to improve on his 14 goals from a year ago, as he will start the year on the teams #1 power play unit.
• Short, sweet and to the point! That may best describe a Thursday afternoon practice at Prospera, as the Rockets prepared for their final weekend of exhibition games before the real season starts September 22nd. Rockets head coach Ryan Huska and his entourage of assistants had the troups going through a series of speed drills in preparation for games Friday in Kamloops before concluding the pre-season with a home game against the Chilliwack Bruins Saturday night. The Blazers are a huge test, considering they are 5 and 1 in pre-season, and appear to be one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference this season.
• Luke Schenn did not practice Thursday, as the team allows him to rest from the Canada-Russia Super Series. Schenn may need the mental rest more than the physical. But to see him around the rink is always a positive, whether he is on the ice with his teammates, or hob-knobbing it (hanging out) with David and I in the stands.
• Brandon McMillan was wearing a yellow jersey at practice which says - DON'T HIT ME!! McMillan is suffering from a shoulder injury, but if it has affected his shooting, you sure don't notice it. The kids got a bullet. I forecast a solid season for McMillan. He has a nice combination of size, strength and skill. Let's just hope this injury is his only one of the 2007-2008 season.
• Tysen Dowzak returned from the training camp of the Philadelphia Flyers Thursday. Dowzak was at practice, and appears to have an upbeat approach to the season. The likable Dowzak is now one of the elder statesman on the Rockets blueline, as one of just two 19 year-olds. The other is Colin Joe.
• Did you know that Colin Joe has the most WHL games under his belt of any Rocket this season? C-Joe has 180 games in the WHL, just ahead of James McEwan's 171. Justin Bernhardt has played 169 WHL games.
• What Rockets player led the league last season in one WHL statistic? James McEwan led the league in fighting majors with 26. McEwan is looking forward to again standing up for his teammates this season, and enjoys the physical side more than the offensive side. But maybe he will bring both games to the table this season. McEwan had a two goal game against Vancouver last Saturday, and hit the cross bar twice during practice Thursday. In talking to McEwan today, he admitted it would be nice to contribute more offensively, but realizes the reason he is still in this league is for his gritty play, leadership and his ability to be on the winning end of the fight card.
• Torrie Jung returned from the NHL training camp of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and looked sharp. Man is he quick moving side to side, and is extremely tough to beat in tight. Jung appears to be a better practice goaltender than Westblom, but when it comes to game conditions Westblom knows it's for real and is tough to beat. Who gets the start next Saturday against Tri City in the Rockets home-opener? I'm going with the seasoned veteran. Westblom gets the nod, but an early stumble has Jung between the pipes.
• Matt Brusciano didn't practice Thursday, as he continues to feel the affects of a concussion. I noticed Brusciano with a buzz cut, as his hair has been cut down to the bark. When he gets my age he won't be doing that unless it's absolutely necessary.
• I love this time of the year. The Rockets haven't lost a game, everyone is energetic and optimism is high. Of the players I talked with on Thursday, most are tired of pre-season and want the real games to begin next week.
• I watched Lyon Messier for the first time. The newest Rocket didn't catch my eye, nor did he look out of place. It will be interesting to see what he can do in back-to-back games this weekend.