Things That Make Me Go Hmm...

• How excited is Brayden Schenn about Thursday's game in Kelowna? The Brandon Wheat Kings forward has watched his older brother Luke play at Prospera Place in the past, and now the 16 year-old will take to the ice against the team I am sure he always dreamt of playing for. Thursday's game will feature the Schenn brothers playing against each other for the first time, as Luke was at the Canadian World Junior training camp when the Rockets visited the Wheat Kings in early December.
• Speaking of Brayden Schenn, if he is not awarded the WHL rookie of the year it is indeed a crying shame. I applaud the efforts of first year forward's Jamie Benn (Rockets) and T.J Galiardi of the Calgary Hitmen for sensational seasons, but both players are two years older than Schenn. In my opinion the rookie of the year award should be handed out to a 16 year-old player, not a player who is two years older and is two years advanced both physically and mentally.
• Colin Long has 55 points more than a year ago. That transformation from one season to the next puts him at the top of the heap when it comes to players who have worn Kelowna Rockets colours. Only Cam Paddock comes close with 24 points in 2000-2001 and an impressive 73 points a season later. That's an improvement of 49 points. Tomas Slovak (+45), Kiel McLeod (+42), and Tyler Mosienko (+41) also improved substantially from one season to the next. Technically speaking, Rory McDade had 98 points more than an injury plagued 1999-2000 campaign. McDade would go pointless in two games that season before putting up 98 points in 2000-2001. What makes Long's numbers stand out is the 18 year-old played in 69 games last season and managed just 28 points. This year he has 83.
• Has Swift Current Broncos GM and Head Coach Dean Chynoweth sent a thank you note to the Kelowna Rockets yet? Since the Broncos beat the Rockets 4-0 on January 25th the Broncos have won 9 in a row. Overall the Broncos have won 10 straight, but was it the win over the Rockets that showed Chynoweth's crew that if they outwork an opponent they have the ability to win every night?
• A month ago a WHL scout told me that the Tri City Americans are the best team in the league. At the time I questioned the statement. Now I am a firm believer. The Americans are the hottest team out West at least after smoking Spokane 7-2 on the weekend. With Colton Yellowhorn leading the way, Don Nachbaur's boys are going to be tough to beat come playoff time.
• After the scary incident which saw Florida Panthers forward Richard Zednik's neck cut by a skate, does the WHL look at possibly having players wear protective neck guards? It's been a staple in the QMJHL for years now and minor hockey players across Canada are required to wear them. Why not in the WHL?
• Dan Russell of Sports Talk fame had an interesting interview with WHL Commish Ron Robison Friday night. Robison spoke about the concern he has for the Portland Winter Hawk franchise and the stability or level playing field he wants to see across the league when it comes to scouting. Robison also spoke about a new building for Moose Jaw and the anticipated announcement of a new building in the 'Jaw' later this month. To be honest with you, it's the first interview I've heard with Robison where he tackled some interesting issues head-on. I actually came away from the interview enlightened. Or maybe we should credit Russell for simply asking good questions?
• Speaking of the Commish, where has he been this season? I have not run into Ron Robison all season. I've been told he's been making the rounds across the Western Hockey League this season, but he hasn't made a stop in K-Town. You couldn't help but run into him in 2004 when the Rockets were hosting the Memorial Cup.
• If you missed it, here is the interview I had with former Rockets forward Blake Comeau, now up with the NHL's New York Islanders. http://www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_0314.MP3&nid=664585&
• What NHL player - property at one time of the Kelowna Rockets - was traded Monday night? Mike Commodore was traded along with Corey Stillman to Ottawa from the Carolina Hurricanes. Commodore was the Rockets 8th round pick, 119th overall in the 1994 bantam draft. Commodore never played a game with the Rockets, elected to go the college route attending the University of North Dakota.