Regan's Random Thoughts at Rockets Practice

• Christmas came early for Rockets goaltender Torrie Jung. Ok it likely wasn't that exciting, but he was wearing new pads and gloves at practice today. You can't miss them, or him for that matter! The pads and gloves are as white as snow, with red and blue trim. Jung says the white pads should make him look larger in the net this season. At least that's Rockets goaltending coach Kim Dillabaugh's theory on it.
• Jung is off to Tampa Bay Wednesday. The likable goaltender is looking forward to his first ever NHL training camp. It will be a long day of travel for T.J, but we wish him the best in making a positive impression on what could be long term employer down the road. You can hear how excited Jung is about attending the pro camp on www.am1150.ca Wednesday at noon.
• How can you not like Jung. Can the kid be more personable? He is a pleasure to talk with, and a pleasure to interview. He likely didn't take a Dale Carnagie course, but man does he leave a positive impression on the people he meets.
• Cody Almond leaves for Minnesota Wednesday. The Rockets leading scorer from last season will be attending the Wilds rookie camp, which means an appearance in Traverse City at an NHL tournament for rookie prospects of several NHL teams including Torrie Jung's Tampa Bay Lightning.
• Rockets defenseman Tysen Dowzak won't be in the Rockets lineup Friday night in a pre-season game with the Vancouver Giants. Dowzak is off to the NHL training camp of the Philadelphia Flyers.
• The Rockets coaches seemed to be upbeat at practice today. They were working out some kinks in the teams play on the weekend, and held an upbeat practice at Prospera Place. Assistant Jeff Finley was leading the charge at the chalkboard, while explaining the importance of defensive coverage. The players should learn a ton from Finley this season.
• I likely wouldn't have said this five years ago, but I sure like Rockets coach Kim Dillabaugh. Don't get me wrong, I never disliked the guy and always appreciated what he brought to the table as a coach, but am really appreciating the personality of the Duncan, BC resident. It's again proof that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, and often times first impressions are misleading. Dilly is a great guy, and receives high praise from any goaltender he has been involved with. I now understand why Kelly Guard, Derek Yeomans, Kristofer Westblom and Torrie Jung speak so highly of him. I echo their sentiments.
• It will be the rookie and the veteran when the Rockets meet the Giants this weekend. Overage goaltender Kristofer Westblom and 16 year-old Dylan Tait will be the goaltending tandem while Jung is away.
• I briefly ran into Rockets forward Dylan Hood today. Hoody was all smiles, despite sitting out practice with a mild concussion. If you missed it, Hood went heavily into the boards in an exhibition game against Swift Current Sunday, and likely won't play against the Giants this weekend.
• Missing in action (M.I.A) this weekend will be Rockets European forward Milan Kitnar. Kitnar was left in Edmonton where he will be attending the NHL training camp of the Edmonton Oilers.
• My thoughts on the Canada-Russia Super Series. Two words. Who cares!
• A great quote. I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures. ~Earl Warren