Things That Make Me Go Hmm...

• Why did Troy Ofukany ask for a trade out of Regina? The former Rocket reportedly asked to be dealt at the deadline, but I am sure Red Deer wasn't his first choice. Instead of sulking at playing on a last place team, Ofukany has 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points in 5 games with the Rebels.
• Rockets fans, you can read Gregg Drinnan's blog where he chats with GM Bruce Hamilton. Drinnan has quotes from Hamilton on the development of Colin Long, and the thought process behind not trading overage injured captain James McEwan at the trade deadline.
  
• Rockets rookie forward Jamie Benn scored his 25th goal of the season Tuesday in a 5-3 loss in Kamloops. Who was the last Rocket to score 25 goals in his rookie season? Justin Keller had 25 goals as a 17 year-old back in 2003-2004 season. Keller would score 51 goals two years later.
• Rockets goaltender Torrie Jung did not practice Wednesday, as he rebounds from a back injury suffered during warm-up prior to Tuesday's game against the Blazers. While the injury isn't serious, the coaching staff though it would best to have Jung on the trainers table than working out with the team. Whether he is ready to start Friday against Chilliwack is up in the air.
• Rockets forward Milan Kytnar didn't practice Wednesday either. The 18 year-old European forward sprained his ankle in Tuesday's loss, and is doubtful for home games this weekend against the Wack and Prince George.
• I still have a positive take from Tuesday's loss in the Loops. Despite the loss, the Rockets spent a good portion of the game in the offensive zone, created good offensive chances. While the 7 game winning streak is over, it's time to start a new one.
• Remember J.J Hunter? The former Kelowna Rockets forward is now playing senior hockey in Southwest Saskatchewan. J.J is playing with the Shaunavon Badgers of the White Mud Hockey League. No joke, that's the name of the league. J.J is playing alongside his brother, former Swift Current Broncos Luke Hunter. J.J's younger brother Brock also plays on that team. Luke leads the WMHL in scoring with 29+24=53 in just 13 games while J.J is a point back with 23+29=52 in just 12 games. Who's the third leading scorer in the league? Former Portland Winter Hawk/Swift Current Broncos forward Todd Hornung, who has 16+23=39 with the Eastend Jets.
  
• Dan Russell and Bill Wilms are back in Kelowna Friday night as Shaw broadcasts the Rockets/Bruins game. David Michaud and I were laughing as we listened to Russell's Sportstalk Wednesday night while driving back from Kamloops. Dan had a caller on the line who was defending Roberto Luongo for not attending the NHL All-Star game. Russell wouldn't hear anything of it. The debate was comical. Russell worked the caller like a prize fighter. It was great radio.
• Speaking of Michaud, the big fella will make his WHL play-by-play debut next Wednesday when the Portland Winter Hawks are in Kelowna. Hawks radio man Andy Kemper is unable to attend the game, so Michaud has offered his services.