Wednesday, December 17, 2008

McColgan Makes Impact


  • It didn’t take Shane McColgan long to make an impression with his new team. The 15 year-old Manhattan Beach resident scored the game winner just 37 seconds into the first period in the Rockets' 3-0 win Wednesday over the Edmonton Oil Kings.

  • Here is the goal, as called by Team 1260's A.J Jakubec. www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2Frockets_goal_1.mp3&nid=845848

  • McColgan’s goal wasn’t one of beauty, but, like he said in our post game interview, they all count. www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_1117.MP3&nid=845840

  • The Rockets sealed the game with empty-net goals from Dylan Hood and Cody Almond. It was Almond's first goal in 9 games and Hood's 2nd in 9 games.

  • Kris Lazaruk was solid as he played in his hometown of Edmonton. The Rockets' veteran goaltender made 31 saves for his 3rd shutout of the season. Lazaruk was named the game's first star.

  • The win snapped a three game losing streak and sent the Rockets into the Christmas break with 20 wins.

  • Before last night’s game, the Rockets' top four players had 6 goals combined in the last 7 games. Long, Almond, Lucas Bloodoff, Dylan Hood and Brandon McMillan were a part of that group.

  • After watching Brandon McMillan this weekend, is he not a better defenceman than a forward? I’m no coach, but I’d want to think twice about putting him up front with the way he played in three games this weekend.

  • Special thanks to Guy Flaming from the Team 1260 in Edmonton for bringing me a toque before the game. Man, could I have used that baby three days ago when the windchill in Edmonton made it feel like -39.

  • The players departed for their homes following the game. Most of them flew out of Edmonton. The only players remaining on the bus back to Kelowna were Cody Almond, Evan and Lucas Bloodoff, Brandon McMillan and Dylan Hood.

  • Rick McMillan will have a better appreciation for the Rockets bus. The father of Brandon McMillan made the trek back to the Okanagan with us.

  • Derek Yeomans took in Wednesday’s game. The former Rockets goaltender is now with the University of New Brunswick. Yeomans lives in nearby St. Albert.

  • Anaheim Ducks assistant coach Newell Brown came in to pick up his son Adam. Adam Brown is a rookie goaltender for the Rockets this season.

  • If Tyson Barrie is not invited to the Top Prospects Game, something is wrong. The roster will be announced Thursday in Oshawa, Ontario. The game will be played in Oshawa, January 14th.

3 comments:

Guy Flaming said...

No worries about the toque Regan although I wonder how much use it gets now that you're out of our frozen tundra.

That also gets me thinking about McColgan. It's probably a good thing he got to see Kelowna first and made his mind up on the WHL before he got to experience Red Deer and Edmonton in December. I'm betting the California kid has some stories to tell his pals back in L.A.

Was nice to meet you face-to-face after having you on our show.

Regan Bartel said...

Nice to meet you last night. Sorry for spelling your last name incorrectly on my original post. I've made the correction. Nice job on the three stars last night. In a game that features just one goal and two empty netters, those games are often a struggle when making selections.

Rick said...

Yes the bus trip return to the Okanagan was truly an adventure for me. Not only did I learn there is a price to pay for the overnight travel but I learned that there is an amazing passion for the game of hockey for all those on board. It was evident that everyone on this bus knows their role and there is a lot involved and a system that works to get those wheels a turnin.

I witnessed that everyone appreciates being part of this club and is passionate about their jobs including the amazing driver "Rog" whom pulled an all nighter to return us home safely right thru the team including Bruce Hamilton whom as GM still rides the bus with his players and staff and clearly shows respect and committment to his players, coaches, trainers and staff. It was also great to see how you and Doyle show a passion for your jobs and that the work did not end after the game. There was work to do while riding the bus in preparing articles and updating the blog. I am truly thankful for this experience and do appreciate the ride.

Merry Christmas everyone!