Saturday, September 5, 2009

Bulmer leads Rockets to exhibition Win

  • The Kelowna Rockets earned a 3-2 exhibition win over the Kamloops Blazers Saturday night at Prospera Place. The win improved the Rockets record to 2 and 2 in the pre-season heading into next Friday's game against the Vancouver Giants.
  • Brett Bulmer's goal at the 1:43 mark of the third period was the game winner, as the Rockets out-shot the Blazers 31-24.
  • If stars were handed out in exhibition, Bulmer would have been given top honours for his goal and assist. Bulmer's battle level was high throughout the night. He's a keeper!
  • Bulmer played a good portion of the game with Spencer Main and Shane McColgan.
  • Main wore the 'C' on this night. Great to see.
  • McColgan was the most dynamic player on the ice. In a game that featured few veterans, McColgan often times controlled the game with his speed and tremendous passing ability. The Hermosa Beach, California resident also scored a nice goal speeding down on right wing. The 16 year-old appeared to lose his balance, dropping to his knees, yet somehow snapped a low shot past a startled Blazers goaltender Jon Groenheyde.
  • Speaking of Groenheyde, he was solid. The South Surrey, BC resident faced 15 shots in the third period, making a nice toe save on McColgan from in tight. The Blazers goaltending will not be a problem this season. LeClerc? Groenheyde? Pick your poison, you can't go wrong.
  • Rockets rookie forward Max Adolph was awarded a penalty shot at the 9 minute mark of the third period in a 3-2 game. Adolph was unable to beat Groenheyde after mishandling the puck and the veteran goaltender then poking it away with his stick for good measure.
  • The Rockets dressed overage players Jonathan Milhouse and Kevin Kraus. Both are familiar with the WHL. Milhouse spent time with both Everett and Portland while I remember Kraus playing in Kamloops and Tri City. Kraus played last season with the Vernon Vipers.
  • Notables in attendance Saturday night included Montreal Canadiens defenceman Josh Gorges. Gorges was joined by former Rockets Brett Palin and Carsen Germyn.
  • I ran into former Rockets alumnus Jason Deleurme during the intermission. J.D isn't sure if he will be headed back to Europe or if he will look for a possible AHL tryout in North America at months end. When I asked him if he was thinking about retiring he told me, "No way".
  • I had a chance to watch the game from the stands, which is a treat for me considering the amount of games I witness from the broadcast booth.

1 comment:

tom masich said...

Sunday evening Sept 06/09
Just spoke to Brett Bulmer.s parents on their arrival home from a weekend in Kelowna. I want to take a moment to wish Brett a productive and successful season. Great start in the game last night Brett, keep it up we will be cheering for you.
Tom Masich
(Your all star sprinter Mom's former track coach.)