Day 2 of Rockets Rookie Camp

A picture of the longest standing employee in the Kelowna Rockets organization, outside of GM Bruce Hamilton. Lorne Frey, the Rockets Director of Player Personnel is all eyes on the teams prospects at rookie camp this week.

Frey is only as good as those around him. The Rockets scouting staff from across Western Canada converge on Kelowna this week looking to see how the player they recommended is progressing.

For many this is a first time experience at a WHL camp. Some players are drafted, others are simply brought it with the oppertunity to be listed by the Rockets.

Game action from the 11 am scrimmage Friday morning.Do you notice something different with the scoreboard? A new video panel has been added around the base (ya it is actually new even though it looks like the old one). It's an improvement from what we've grown accustom too at Prospera Place, but until I actually see what it can and cannot do once it's operational, I'm keeping my expectations extremely low.

• The Rockets have twins competing at rookie camp this year. Fifteen year-olds Brady and Chase Norrish from Strongfield Saskatchewan are trying to impress. Both are d-men.
• Two of the young goaltenders competing at rookie camp this week are Kieran Anderson from Campbell River B.C and Nevan Trombley from Midale Saskatchewan. Trombley is playing bantam hockey in Estevan, while Anderson is playing bantam in his hometown. If one thing both 15 year-old goaltenders do not lack, it's size.
• Former Rockets alumnus Cam Paddock should have some interest in rookie camp this week. Paddock's 15 year-old younger brother Casey is competing.
• The Rockets welcomed 15 year-old Shayne McColgan to camp today. McColgan has been sick lately, so instead of bringing him into rookie camp, he'll compete with the 'big dogs' at main camp next week. McColgan is the Rockets #1 pick from the 2008 WHL bantam draft.
• The referee's at the 11 am scrimmage Friday morning were Dylan Hood and James McEwan. Hood has apparently lost some weight and has worked on his lower body for quicker speed and power this season. McEwan is preparing for his first pro season with the Phoenix RoadRunners after signing a deal with the E-C-H-L team this week.