The Kelowna Rockets added some much needed muscle and grit at forward this morning by acquiring 20 year-old Brady Leavold from the Swift Current Broncos for a conditional draft pick.Leavold was the odd man out in the Broncos overage situation, and now adds a problem in Kelowna, with four 20 year-olds on the Rockets roster. Leavold joins Lyon Messier, Kristofer Westblom and captain James McEwan in that age group. The answer to who stays and who goes is pretty obvious. If Leavold proves his worth before the deadline, he'll earn the final spot and the Broncos receive a draft pick. If Leavold is not all that is advertised, the Rockets give up little.
Leavold has all the tools necessary to be a key contributor to the Rockets this season. The Port Coquitlam, BC resident had 35 points in 55 games with the Broncos last season. Not only can Leavold score, but he can fight, leading the Broncos in fighting majors last season with 12. The feisty forward was the Broncos rookie of the year in 2004-2005, but often times didn't see eye-to-eye with Swift Current head coach Dean Chynoweth. Rockets fan may remember Leavold quiting the Broncos, before his rights were traded to the Everett Silvertips on October 31st, 2005. Leavold failed to report to the Tips, nullifying the deal. Leavold instead rejoined the Broncos later that season.
What's Leavold's mindset now that he's a Rocket? I am about to find out when I talk to him at practice this afternoon. If his head is in the right place, the Rockets may have acquired a pretty good player.
2 comments:
Sound's too me like Mr Hamilton is not too happy with our overall toughness & goal scoring, he's addressed both those issues this week, good on him though!! I hope this will be a bit of a reality check for some of those not performing up to the standards the Rockets have set over the last few years!! " No names mentioned "
I agree. Hamilton is not scared to call a spade a spade, and says his veteran forwards need more bite. Leavold, when he wants to compete, can be a great player. Question is can he fiqure that out in his final season in the WHL? I can't wait to see him in Rockets colors Friday night.
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