Speed Kills. Just Ask the Rockets

• They often say speed kills. The Kelowna Rockets didn't get killed Friday night, but Seattle's speed was evident in a 4-1 home ice loss to the T-Birds. The Birds used great team speed in handing the Rockets their 3rd loss of the season. Seattle looked solid in the opening period, dominating the Rockets at every turn. But as the second period rolled on, the Rockets got interested, and began the comeback despite being down 3-0. The T-Birds were content with the two goal lead after Rockets forward Cody Almond made it a 3-1 score. The Rockets out-shot the opposition 6-3 in the third, but the visitors knew that if they didn't open themselves up to error in the third, they'd come away with the two points, which they did.
• Jim O'Brien is the real deal. He made his WHL debut last night, but was a threat to score. The Ottawa Senators first round draft pick didn't look out of place, having the privilege of playing alongside Bud Holloway. Look for Holloway to put up some big points if he remains a linemate of O'Brien's this season.
• Jamie Benn looked pretty good in his WHL debut. While he failed to hit the score sheet, Benn had a couple of decent chances, including a breakaway pass from Colin Long, which sprung Benn free on a clear cut breakaway. Benn was hooked from behind by T- Birds d-man Ben Olson, and was unable to get a decent shot away. You can tell that Benn knows where to be to score goals. He'll get his fair share before the season is over.
• Brady Leavold tried to look for a dance partner in last night's game, but nobody would fight him. The T-Birds did the right thing though. They didn't stir up a hornet's nest by getting involved with Leavold or James McEwan.
• Justin Bernhardt played his best game of the season last night. Bernhardt showed a much better work ethic, battled for lose pucks, and showed good hands. Now 'Bernie' needs to pull that off more often. Myles MacRae was also better, and was rewarded with power play time.
• I didn't think Torrie Jung was at his best. I've seen him play better. The T-Birds hit the post several times, and Jung just didn't look comfortable between the pipes. He did make some good saves, but didn't look like his confident self.
• Join David and I tonight from Seattle as the two teams hook up again in the back end of a home and home series. AM 1150 has the game, starting with the pre-game show at 6:35 and the play-by-play at 7:05.