I Feel Good For....

• Colin Long. The Kelowna Rockets management remained patient with the 18 year-old forward, who took two full seasons to blossom into the third year scoring leader he is today. Had they given up on him early, they wouldn't be benefiting from his brilliant play today. Patience does pay off. Colin Long is just one example of a late bloomer. Name another WHL team who's 11th round bantam pick is leading his team in scoring?
• Jamie Benn. It was a bold move for Benn to jump to the WHL this season. After putting up 42 goals last season in the BCHL, he must have been unsure if he could score at the WHL level? Why then would he not have attending training camp with the Rockets this season, before finally jumping ship just four games into the year? I am sure leaving home was a hard decision, but self doubt may have also played a factor. He could have played it safe by staying in the BCHL and again putting up a plethora of points. Instead Benn made the right decision, and is scoring at the next level against elite competition. Benn has proved he can play against the best in his age group.
• Brady Leavold. While it is just 13 games into the season, 'Leo' has been a welcome addition to the Rockets. They needed a sandpaper type of player and Leavold has provided that playing on the teams number one line with Jamie Benn and Colin Long. Leavold isn't being asked to put up points, but take a secondary role in order to bring the team success. Leavold isn't complaining, he's producing, with a solid workman like approach.
• Dylan Hood. I was wondering if the second year forward would be in-tough to stick with the team. Yet his energy playing on a line with Evan Bloodoff and Kyle St. Denis has cemented a place on the Rockets roster. His hustle has been a huge asset on the Rockets penalty kill.
• Edmonton Oil Kings forward Brett Breitkreuz. Left unprotected in the WHL expansion draft, Breitkreuz has 7 goals this season with the Kings. The Rockets 2nd overall pick in the 2004 WHL bantam draft, behind Luke Schenn, would be leading Kelowna in goals scored if he was here now.
• Spokane GM Tim Speltz. If you've talked to any Chief fan over the last couple of years, Speltz had sand in his head. Now they are finding out he indeed knows what he's doing. The Chiefs built through the WHL draft, and now have a powerhouse that's fun to watch. Speltz isn't the only reason why the Chiefs are succeeding, but is a big part why.
• Swift Current's Dean Chynoweth. In the fish bowl atmosphere in Broncoville, Chynoweth has put on a brave face despite fans calling for his head. The Broncos are now one of the teams to beat out East. I guess Chynoweth's stoic look on the bench, something Bronco fans have bitched about, isn't so bad these days? Sometimes silence speaks volumes.