Random Pic's

A pic from inside our car near Banff Thursday night. Yep, its snowing in Alberta on April 30th. I call it a good omen. In 2003, the Rockets first trip to the league final against Red Deer, it snowed.

The Rockets are receiving some solid support from local businesses along Harvey Avenue.

B-P's also joins the hype.

Rockets director of player personnel Lorne Frey 'stars' on Monday's Shaw TV broadcast. The picture is taken of the monitor below our radio broadcast location.

Rockets Pick Two Forwards

The Kelowna Rockets had the 17th overall pick in today's Western Hockey League bantam draft and selected Abbotsford BC resident Jason Siebert. Siebert is a right winger.
In round two the Rockets picked centerman Colton Heffley from my hometown, Swift Current Saskatchewan.

Before I Hit The Road...

• The Kelowna Rockets won't beat the Calgary Hitmen in too many categories, but the Rockets have the bragging rights in one area. After the Western Hockey League trading deadline the Rockets ended up with more wins and more points than the Hitmen. The Rockets were 22-4-1-3 after the trade deadline, good for 48 points. The Hitmen were 21-3-0-2 after the trade deadline, good for 44 points. But lets not forget that the Rockets played 30 games after the deadline while the Hitmen played just 26 times. Both teams were solid from January 10th on.
• Since 2000, five teams have won the Western Hockey League title with 47 wins or fewer. The last team to win the league title with the same number of wins as the Rockets had this season were the Vancouver Giants, who had 47 victories during the regular season before beating Moose Jaw in 2006. The 2005 Rockets won a WHL title with just 45 wins during the regular season. Medicine Hat had 40 wins in 2004, while Kootenay had 38 victories before capturing the title in 2002. Kootenay also had 44 wins before winning the league in 2000.
• The Rockets can't touch the Hitmen when it comes to points, wins and goals scored.The Hitmen had 12 more wins and 13 fewer losses than the Rockets during the regular season.
• The Rockets scored 63 fewer goals and allowed 19 more against than the Hitmen.
• The Hitmen scored 36 more power play goals than the Rockets during the regular season, and also had 21 more chances with the extra man.
• The Hitmen had nine players with 50 or more points while the Rockets had just five.
• The Rockets had five - 20 goal scorers this season. The Hitmen had 7.

Speaking to Richard Doerksen On The Myers Hit

Here is my conversation with Richard Doerksen this afternoon on the Tyler Myers hit.

"First of all we spent a great deal of time upon our return to the office Tuesday reviewing the hit. Obviously any time a major penalty is accessed in our league it comes under review to warrant or to determine if their should be a suspension. In reviewing this particular hit, and being in the replay booth where we had the option of watching it immediately after the hit occurred, our assessment of the penalty is it should have been a double minor for checking from behind similar to the hit on (Evan) Bloodoff of Kelowna where Toigo is accessed a double minor for checking from behind. When we originally brought in checking from behind we had a two minute penalty, a major and a game misconduct or a match penalty. We felt that sometimes players turn at the last second and the player coming in to make a hit has no alternative and unfortunately gets him in the back, so we did not think it was fair that if that player was injured, he (the offending player) would be thrown out of the game, consequently we adopted the double minor for checking from behind so that player would still be penalized but he would not be thrown out of the game. In reviewing this particular situation, certainly it is our opinion, and that includes the director of officiating, assistant director of officiating and the two referee's that had a chance to see it on tape later, that the correct call should have been a double minor for checking from behind. Of course I am deeply concerned any time a player gets injured in our league, but to keep consistent with my past decisions, we have not suspended a player for receiving a double minor for checking from behind if that player did turn just before he got hit. While their is no suspension on this play, I think it needs further discussion at our league level and we may have to consider changing that stance in the future and discuss whether we should suspend the player if the player gets hurt very seriously from a double minor penalty."

It's been suggested that the penalty was looked at differently because it was the playoffs, but you don't buy that?

"Anyone who knows me, knows that is not the situation. I have suspended players in the past in our championship series. I've suspended players in each round of the playoffs before, and while we don't want suspensions in the playoffs, if they are warranted, we definitely will".

It's been suggested that because Myers is a marquee player that you looked at this differently:

"People can think what they want. It doesn't come into play who the player is. It could have been Craig Schira hitting Tyler Myers and we would have had the city of Kelowna in an uproar as to why a suspension wasn't being given if Tyler Myers was injured. I have to deal with these situations on a consistent basis and on this particular situation I felt a double minor would have been the correct call, consequently a suspension will not be handed out".

Richard Doerksen is the Vice President of Hockey for the WHL.

Fan-tastic

This was the view in front of Prospera Place this morning as hockey fans stood in line to grab tickets for games three and four Monday and Wednesday of next week.

Myers Will Play In Game One

The Western Hockey League will not be suspending Rockets defenceman Tyler Myers for a hit on Vancouver Giants Craig Schira in game six. Myers was given a five minute major and game misconduct for checking from behind in that game.

Kelowna Rockets-Calgary Hitmen Connections

• Kelowna Rockets forward Ian Duval should know something about the Calgary Hitmen. Duval played with the franchise for 125 games before being traded to Moose Jaw earlier this season. Duval collected 88 points in those 125 regular season games with the Hitmen, helping them to the Eastern Conference final last season before losing out to Lethbridge.
• Duval's only career hat trick came as a member of the Hitmen. Duval scored three times October 27/07 against the then expansion Edmonton Oil Kings.
• Duval will be celebrating a birthday in this series. Duval will turn 21 on May 7th, which is game five of this series. Teammate Lucas Bloodoff will turn 20 on May 5th, which is the day between games three and four in Kelowna.
• The two starting goaltenders in this series have something in common. The Rockets Mark Guggenberger and Hitmen netminder Martin Jones share the same birth date. Guggenberger was born January 10,1989 while Jones was born January 10, 1990.
• Rockets defenseman Tysen Dowzak also blows out the candles on the same day as Hitmen forward Brandon Kozun. Both celebrate birthdays on March 8th.
• Hitmen head coach Dave Lowry and Rockets assistant coach Jeff Finley played for the same NHL organization. Both are alumni of the St. Louis Blues. Lowry played five seasons with the Blues from 1988 until 1993. Finley played 6 seasons with the Blues from 1998 until 2004.
• Name the two first round NHL draft picks of the Calgary Flames that have played for the Kelowna Rockets? Mikael Backlund was selected by the Flames in 2007 and Chuck Kobasew was picked in the opening round in 2001. Backlund was selected 24th overall while Kobasew was picked 14th overall.
• Name the two members of the Kelowna Rockets that have been to a Western Hockey League championship series? Both are coaches. Head coach Ryan Huska won 3 WHL titles as a player with the Kamloops Blazers, while assistant Ryan Cuthbert won a league title as the captain of the Rockets in 2003.
• What two players in this series - one from each team - were involved in a Western Hockey League trade together? Rockets forward Kyle St. Denis and Hitmen forward Jason MacDonald were part of a six player deal when the Regina Pats dealt them to Kelowna for Kirt Hill, Kaspars Sauletis and Troy Ofukany. The Rockets also picked up Justin Bernhardt in that deal.
• MacDonald played just 40 games in a Rockets uniform. MacDonald scored just two goals with the Rockets, against Chilliwack and Portland.
• Kim Sylvester is the office/store manager for the Kelowna Rockets. Big deal you say? Well she is also the mother of Calgary Hitmen rookie forward Cody Sylvester. Cody is a 8th round bantam pick of the Hitmen from 2007.
• Rockets forward Cody Almond and the Hitmen's Carson McMillan could be teammates in the near future. The two are draft picks of the NHL's Minnesota Wild. Almond was drafted in the 5th round in 2007 while McMillan was selected in that same draft in the 7th round. Oddly enough the Wild signed both players to pro deals recently.
• The Phoenix Coyotes also have two players participating in the WHL final. The Coyotes hold the rights to Rockets forward Colin Long and to Hitmen rear guard Michael Stone.

Schedule And Cougars New Coach

Here is the schedule for the WHL final.
Games one and two are in Calgary Friday and Saturday with games three and four in Kelowna Monday and Wednesday. The odd part of the schedule is a game five will be played the following night after game four. Ouch!

On a side note, Jim Swanson of the Prince George Citizen is reporting that Dean Clark has agreed to a 5 year contract to guide the Prince George Cougars.

Backlund Climbs Beanstock to Beat Giant

• Mikael Backlund has been dubbed as a big time player in the big game, and the sweet skating Swede left no doubt in any ones mind that he will play in the NHL next season. Backlund scored two beautiful goals and then notched the game winner at the 4 minute mark of overtime, lifting the Rockets to a 5-4 win over the Vancouver Giants, eliminating their arch rivals in 6 games.
• Backlund's game winner came on a deflected wrist shot that came from the left point from teammate Tysen Dowzak. Dowzak's rising shot appeared to hit Backlund's body or stick and changed directions, beating Giants goaltender Tyson Sexsmith to the blocker side. The officials on the ice called it a goal, yet the play was reviewed with the use of video replay.
• You couldn't have had two better minds in the video replay room looking at the game winning goal than Kevin Muench and Richard Doerksen. Muench is the Director of Officiating for the WHL while Doerksen is the Vice President of Hockey for the WHL. After looking at replay after replay, it showed no conclusive evidence that the goal was re-directed into the goal by a high stick. After over 4 minutes of waiting to see if the goal would indeed count, the Prospera Place faithful again went into a frenzy when it was determined that the goal would stand.
• Backlund's hat trick was the first by a Rockets player in the playoffs since Simon Ferguson scored three times in a series against Tri City in 2004.
• What a comeback! Tyler Myers is ejected from the game in the third period on a hit on Giants defenceman Craig Schira. The Giants score one power play goal during the five minute major to take a 4-2 lead with just under 12 minutes left in regulation time. Despite the two goal deficit and the loss of the teams top defenceman, Jamie Benn scored a power play goal to make it a one goal game before Cody Almond's seeing eye snap shot beat Sexsmith just 33 seconds later.
• The hit by Myers on Schira left the Giants defenceman on the ice bleeding. Schira was hit heavily by Myers while on the forecheck. Schira appeared to pick up the puck, was about to skate to his right, before changing directions as Myers applied contact. The end result had Myers hitting Schira from behind, sending the veteran d-man crashing into the glass and slumping into the end boards. Schira suffered a reported broken wrist and needed stitches as his visor appeared to cut him in the face.
• With Myers in the dressing room for the remainder of the game, the Rockets defensive core bent but didn't break under the pressure. Tysen Dowzak, Tyson Barrie, Brandon McMillan and Collin Bowman stepped up their game to a level only seen in this playoff series, keeping the Giants at bay as the forwards worked feverishly to find a way to get back into the game.
• The Rockets game six win in the Western Conference final brought back memories of the last time the team advanced to the finals in 2005. In a series against Kootenay, the Rockets won game six in overtime with Shea Weber scoring the game winning goal. That season the Rockets advanced to the finals before beating Brandon in 5 games.
• The Rockets now have another banner to hang high above the Prospera Place ice. The Rockets are Western Conference Champions for the third time in franchise history.
• The Rockets face the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL final. The two teams met twice during the regular season, with both games in Cowtown. The Rockets suffered a 4-3 loss and beat the Hitmen 2-1. The one goal win came after the trade deadline with Mikael Backlund in the lineup.
• Here are some audio highlites from last night's game: www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_1799.MP3&nid=919626

Wow!!

Mikael Backlund's game winner at the 4 minute mark of overtime lifted the Kelowna Rockets to a 5-4 win over the Vancouver Giants Monday night. The Rockets had to wait before celebrating as the goal was under video review.

The Rockets now face the Calgary Hitmen in the Western Hockey League final. Game one is Friday night in Calgary.

***A late night has me posting my thoughts on the game and series Tuesday morning. ***

Game Notes vs. Giants

Tonight’s Preview: The Kelowna Rockets and Vancouver Giants are meeting in game six of the best of seven Western Conference Championship Series. The Rockets have a 3-2 lead after a 1-0 shutout win in game five Saturday night. Ryley Grantham provided the lone goal in the win. The Rockets have won games one, four and five while the Giants grabbed games two and three. If a game seven is necessary it will be played tomorrow night in Vancouver. These two teams are meeting in the WHL playoffs for the first time since 2005. That season the two teams met in round one with the Rockets winning in six games. These two teams also met in 2003, with the Rockets eliminating the Giants in four straight in round one. This season the Giants beat the Rockets in 5 of the 8 meetings, yet the Rockets won the last three games. Overall the Giants out-scored the Rockets 30-23 in the eight games. The Rockets were 9 for 40 (22.5%) on the power play in the seasonal series while the Giants were 11 for 48 (22.9%) with the extra man.

I Didn’t Know That: Mark Guggenberger has not allowed a goal in 121 minutes, eight seconds after back-to-back shutouts in games four and five…The Rockets longest shutout streak of the season came in late October in back-to-back games with the Chilliwack Bruins. The Rockets were a 5-0 winner October 22^nd before earning a 6-0 shutout against Chilliwack October 24^th. Adam Brown earned the goose egg in both games…. The Rockets franchise record for shutouts in a playoff series is held by Derek Yeomans. Yeomans blanked the Seattle Thunderbirds during a second round playoff series in 2005. All three of Yeomans shutouts were in Seattle…..Jamie Benn is one point shy of the Rockets franchise record for points in one playoff season. Jesse Schultz holds the record after putting up 28 points in the 2003 playoffs… The Rockets have opened the scoring in four of the five games in this series…These two teams are playing their 6^th game in 10 nights. If the series goes a full seven games that will be 7 games in 11 nights…The Rockets are playing their 16^th playoff game tonight. That means the Rockets are playing their 88^th game of the season tonight if you include the 72 game regular season schedule…Ian Duval has 12 points in 15 playoff games this season after recording just 3 points (1+2=3) in 16 playoff games with the Calgary Hitmen last season…Duval has four goals in this series with the Giants, one better than teammate Jamie Benn… After recording 5 points in the first two games of this series, Mikael Backlund has failed to register a point in three straight games…Collin Bowman’s assist on Ryley Grantham’s game winning goal in game five was his first playoff point in 11 games. Bowman’s last point, an assist, came March 25^th in game four of an opening round series with Kamloops….

What’s Happened So Far? The Rockets have out-scored the Giants 13-9 in the first five games. Of the 22 total goals that have been scored, fifteen have been even strength. The Rockets are 3 for 20 in the series on the power play (15%) while the Giants are 4 for 24 (16.7%). Of the 22 goals scored in the first five games, 17 have been scored in the final 40 minutes of the game. Only four goals have been scored in the first period, with a single goal coming in overtime. The Rockets have out-shot the Giants 128-97 in the first four games.

Game Six Success: The Rockets have played just one game six in this playoff season. The Rockets were a 6-2 winner over the Tri City Americans in a second round playoff series.

Ugly Never Looked So Good

• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For the Kelowna Rockets', Saturday night's 1-0 win in Vancouver was pleasing to the eye. Let me clarify that. The game five win wasn't exactly a masterpiece, but at the end of the night beating the Giants in back-to-back games was gratifying. The victory gives the Rockets a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference final heading into game six Monday night at Prospera Place.
• It marked only the second time this season that the Giants have lost back-to-back games.
• The game featured some early fireworks with two fights, yet neither tilt ignited a spark nor took momentum away from the opponent. The two teams settled down and played a fatigued looking opening period with Rockets tough guy Ryley Grantham opening the scoring at the 18:25 mark with a chip shot that beat Giants goaltender Tyson Sexsmith over the shoulder. It was Grantham's 3rd of the playoffs, and first game winning playoff goal of his career.
• The key in the win was a 5 on 3 power play the Rockets were able to kill off in the third period. Brandon McMillan is sent off for hooking, and while trying to kill the penalty, Tyler Myers was sent off for shooting the puck over the glass. During the 5 on 3, the Rockets recorded seven blocked shots and got some timely saves from Mark Guggenberger. And when the Giants weren't fighting Rockets defenders away for a quality chance on goal, they were fighting the puck themselves. Both Evander Kane and Casey Pierro-Zabotel missed glorious chances to score, but either had the puck roll off their stick or they shot the puck wide of the net. Kane had such a good chance at the side of the net to tie the game that he lifted the puck directly into the waiting catching glove of the Rockets veteran netminder.
• Isn't it ironic that the Giants failed to score on a 5 on 3 in game five, a situation eerily similar in game three when the Rockets were granted the same convenience, failed to score, and lost the game 3-2.
• Guggenberger has now recorded back-to-back shutouts, and has not allowed a goal in 121 minutes and 8 seconds. Lance Bouma scored at the 18:52 mark of the third period in game three.
• The Giants were shutout in back-to-back games for the first time since the 2004 season. The Giants failed to score a goal September 28/04 against Kootenay (2-0) and were shutout by Seattle Oct 10/04 (3-0).
• AM-1150 had a time clock on Tyler Myers. Myers played 27 minutes and 45 seconds. No wonder he was named the games first star.
• The Rockets have opened the scoring in four of the five games in this series.
• Another well called game by Chris Savage and Derek Herman. Both were solid. Again the key to their performance was not being whistle happy. What I liked about both referee's was their communications skills with the players and coaches and the calm, controlled way they call the game. No dramatics were required. Even when the Giants scored on a goal that apparently was kicked in, both veteran officials took their time before reviewing the goal with the use of video replay. After discussing the call with all four parties on the ice ( two referee's and two linesman) the conclusion on the ice was that the puck was kicked in. To make sure the on-ice call was correct, video replay was used. Video showed that the on-ice officials were bang on.
• For the second straight game neither team was able to score a power play goal. This series is simply being won playing even strength, a far contrast to what the Rockets faced in a second round series with Tri City where the power play played a huge factor.
• Former Vancouver Giants forward Kenndal McArdle made a stop in the broadcast location for a intermission interview. McArdle had 11 goals in the playoffs with the Giants in 2007.
• Tommy Thompson, the head scout of the Minnesota Wild took in Saturday's game. I spoke to Thompson about the recent signing of Rockets forward Cody Almond. Thompson had high praise for Almond's efforts in game four. While he failed to hit the score sheet, Thompson liked Almond's work ethic.
• For the first time in this series I noticed Calgary Hitmen personnel scouting the two teams. The Rockets wouldn't have given them much information to work with, as they looked anything but the team that dominated the Giants in a game four 3-0 win. But as stated before, a wins a win.

A Great Intermission

Everyone got a kick out of this at last night's hockey game. We've all seen this before, but man it doesn't get old. Nice work Rockets game night staff!

The Rockets 'Rodney Dangerfield' Defence

I like to call the Kelowna Rockets blue line the - 'Rodney Dangerfield Defence'! They don't get any respect.
Or do they?
In this series the top five d-men of Tyler Myers, Tyson Barrie, Tysen Dowzak, Brandon McMillan and Collin Bowman are a combined +8. Myers and Barrie lead the pack at + 4. The Giants top five d-men are a combined minus 8.
Myers has been busy keying on Giants sharp shooter Evander Kane. While Myers has just one point in this series, an assist, Myers is a +4 and has taken just four minutes in penalties. What's more impressive is when you look at Kane's numbers in this series. Kane has just one goal, is a -3 and has collected 10 minutes in penalties.

Desperate Measures=Dominant Performance

• Shoot first, ask questions second. It wouldn't be the motto the RCMP tell their recruits before sending them out into the force, but it was the Rockets only option in a 3-0 victory Thursday night. The Rockets shot from every angle and every area, with the greasy effort producing favorable results. With as skilled a team as the Rockets have, playoff hockey is all about will, not skill.
• Cody Almond was trigger happy, and against an elite team like the Giants, delivering the puck at the net every chance you get is never a bad option. I find it frustrating when the Rockets attempt to make the picture perfect passing play, only to turn the puck over without getting a shot on goal. That rarely happened Thursday night, and the credit has to go to the coaching staff for pointing that out to the players.
• Olivia Newton-John would have been proud. Let's get physical! The Rockets let their body do the talking Thursday night by initiating contact. It was the first time in this series that the home team upped the play in the physical department.
• The best 'greasy goal ' of the night came from Jamie Benn! What? How can Jamie Benn score a greasy goal? Colin Long did all the dirty work in the corner by getting the puck to the front of the net where Benn grabbed it, coddled it, before going to the backhand and beating Sexsmith to make it 3-0. That goal sealed the deal for the home team, tying the series at two wins apiece.
• Mark Guggenberger was as great as his name sounds. Guggenberger was especially sharp in the first period when the Giants fired 8 shots his way. Guggenberger's best save came on a Craig Cunningham shot on the power play that Gugg's snagged with a solid glove hand save.
• Rockets forward Ian Duval's tremendous speed was the difference in breaking away from a Giants defender to open the scoring. Duval, who would like nothing more than a trip to Calgary late next week, picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone, skated hard to the net before beating Sexsmith between the legs.
• Did Colin Long know that the assistant general manager of the Phoenix Coyotes was at Thursday's game? It infact was pointed out to him before the game, and it showed in his best effort of the playoffs. Long was solid, picking up two assists, and was arguably the Rockets hardest working player. But where's the love? Long failed to receive a game star, but we pumped his tires as much as we could in the post game show. I wasn't necessary critical of his play in an earlier posting, but I was wondering what was wrong. Long, as usual, answered the bell with a solid game. Good on him.
• Did you notice that all three goals were scored by older players? Ian Duval (20), Jamie Benn (19) and Lucas Bloodoff (19) all hit the score sheet. Long (19) had two assists.
• Curt Gogol has a pretty decent shot. He used it in the third period and let a lazer beam go towards the Giants net. He didn't score, but caught our attention in the broadcast booth.
• I thought Kyle St. Denis provided some additional jump for the Rockets. In only his second game back from injury, St. Denis used some good outside speed and was another threat that the Giants had to be aware of.
• Tyler Myers received the games second star for his efforts in shutting down Evander Kane. And what a job he did. Myers was in Kane's face all night long. The two were forced off the ice with coincidental minors after a good collision in the corner late the third period.
• Kane does not hesitate when bring his hands or stick high when being checked. In what appeared to be a mid-ice collision with Ryley Grantham, Kane got his stick high, hitting 'Granny' either in the throat or chin. Kane got a minor penalty.
• The officiating in game four was solid. Few questionable calls were made, or borderline penalties that drive you crazy. Emotions were high yet the game was under control. Both Pat Smith and Devin Klein read the game correctly. Nice work.
• The Rockets second period not only resulted in two goals, but 18 shots on net. In the final two periods the home team would allowed just 6 shots on goal. The defensive effort was as good as the offensive upside.
• The 3-0 shutout was the Rockets first playoff shutout since May 6, 2005. Kristofer Westblom and Derek Yeomans shared the shutout in a 3-0 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings in game one of the Western Hockey League final.
• It marked the second time the Giants have been shutout in the playoffs. The Giants suffered a 1-0 loss to Spokane in game four of their Western Conference semi final series.
• The biggest crowd of the playoffs took in Thursday's game. Six thousand 268 were on hand for the 3-0 victory. Let's hope even more show up for game six Monday night.

Things That Make Me Go Hmm...

• I ran into Graham Lee and Dave Dakers at Tuesday nights hockey game. Lee is the President and CEO of R.G Properties, the owners/operators of Prospera Place. I wonder if he is still mulling over the addition of a new scoreboard, or if he feels the existing one with the small monitor is sufficient enough?
• Lee should seriously consider additional space in the media/broadcast location at Prospera Place. I am thinking little thought was put into how big the press box should have been when the arena was built in 1998 for play in the 1999 season. How inadequate is the press box? Just look at the temporary riser that the Rockets have installed in the corner of the arena to house the print media for this series. Good on the Rockets for providing that space, but it just shows how the press box needs to expand in the very near future.
• If Prospera Place indeed gets an upgrade, they may want to look at improved lighting as well. I really noticed a difference when comparing Pacific Coliseum, the home of the Giants, with the dim lighting at Prospera. Granted, Pacific Coliseum received a new lighting system with the 2010 Winter Olympics closing in, but a brighter atmosphere on the playing surface wouldn't hurt the cause at the home of the Rockets.
• It was nice to see Giants co-owner Pat Quinn at Tuesday's game, but does Ron Toigo make many road trips? That makes me go hmm.
• After looking at video on the game winning goal in game three, the shot appeared to beat Guggenberger high to the glove hand side, not short side as stated in an earlier post.
• Jamie Benn’s 25 points in this years playoffs has already exceeded the total of the leading point getter in last years playoffs. Calgary’s T.J Galiardi had 24 points to lead the WHL in scoring in 2008. The last player to register over 25 points in the playoffs was Vancouver Giants forward Michal Repik, who had 26 points (10+16=26) in the 2007 post season.
• When is Jamie Benn going to get really angry in this series? Remember when he plowed over Giants defenceman Jon Blum in a regular season game with two solid hits? An angry Jamie Benn is good news for the Rockets, and bad news for Vancouver.
• Is Colin Long hurt? I have been asked that question numerous times in this years playoffs, including once by a player from the opposition. With just two goals in 13 games - one being an empty netter - its a fair question. Long has failed to register a point in three games in this series. My belief is he's healthy, yet has been snake bitten in the post season.
• I guess the same could be said for Giants forward Casey Pierro-Zabotel. The overager has just one goal in his last 8 playoff games. That goal was the overtime winner in game two.
• Benn is three points shy of the Rockets franchise record for points in one playoff season. Jesse Schultz holds the record after putting up 28 points in the 2003 playoffs. Benn has 25.
• Six-first round bantam picks are participating in the WCCS. Tyson Sexsmith (04), James Wright (05) and Evander Kane (06) are first round picks for the Giants. Tyler Myers (05), Tyson Barrie (06) and Shane McColgan (08) are first round bantam picks of the Rockets.
• Two of the three games in this series have been decided by a single goal.
• For the first time in this series the team which scored the opening goal of the game didn’t win. That was the case Tuesday when the Rockets' Cody Almond scored.
• For the first time in 9 playoff games the Rockets lost despite out-shooting their opponent. The Rockets out-shot the Giants in game three, yet fell 3-2.
• I received a neat e-mail from Cathy Thorburn today. The mother of Rockets athletic therapist Jeff Thorburn is cheering loud and proud back in New Brunswick. Cathy told me she can't watch the games because Shaw isn't available in that neck of the woods. She has to settle for listening to Gord McGarva and I call the play-by-play on the Internet. At least we have one listener in this series.
• A former Kelowna Rocket will play in this years Western Hockey League final. Jason MacDonald is part of the Calgary Hitmen, the Eastern Conference champions. MacDonald was part of a six player deal with Regina that included the playing rights to Kyle St. Denis.

Game Three in Pictures

Tyson Sexsmith gets some TV time after being named the games first star.

The towels start waving after the Rockets opening goal.

Nice to see Kyle St. Denis back on the ice in game three.

This sign caught my attention last night. My camera didn't pick it up well from my vantage point in the broadcast booth. What it says is 'Wah Wah Wah, We Don't Think Your Sexy". That message is directed at Giants goaltender Tyson Sexsmith, who's nickname is Sexy.

You don't have to be a boat enthusiast to appreciate this machine. This beauty was on display in front of Prospera Place before game time.

The Giants bus sits quietly behind Prospera Place.

A nice touch by the marketing department of the Kelowna Rockets. Anne-Marie Hamilton is likely the driving force behind this. Well done!

Gritty Forward Becomes Goal Scorer

• In the playoffs one player with a marginal skill set is often times able to stand up and score timely goals. That player for the Vancouver Giants is rugged winger Lance Bouma. Bouma's goal with 68 seconds left in regulation time lifted the visitors to a 3-2 win, and a 2-1 lead in the best of seven Western Conference championship series. Bouma now has 7 goals in the playoffs, two of those in this series. The spark plug had just 9 goals all of this season, much of which was spent on the injury list.
• Bouma's goal came after an odd man rush developed inside the Rockets zone. Bouma elected to shoot, and with a rolling puck coming off the tape of his stick, beat goaltender Mark Guggenberger high to the blocker side - short side.
• When I say Bouma has a marginal skill set, all I am saying is he knows his greatest contribution is made when he crashes and bangs body's, and if he can chip in offensively, great! In a pre-game interview I spoke highly of Bouma's play in games one and two and told Don Hay I thought he was his best player. Don't believe me? Check out the audio. Would I want Bouma on my team? Ya!! www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_1759.MP3&nid=915622
• The goal was the eventual back breaker for the Rockets, but a 5 on 3 power play chance with about 17 minutes left in the third period in a 2-2 game was the real killer. With both Brent Regner and Craig Schira in the penalty box, the Rockets were able to generate several quality chances on Giants goaltender Tyson Sexsmith, yet the veteran shut the door with some big saves. For the first time in this series Sexsmith won the battle of the goaltenders, and after looking average in games one and two, was a difference maker in his teams second win of the series.
• The Rockets ended the game 1 for 6 on the power play, but it felt like they failed to score on all six attempts. The reason? The power play goal they did get came courtesy of Jamie Benn being in the right place at the right time by coming out of the penalty box and gathering up a loose puck in the neutral zone. Benn skated in alone on Sexsmith, beating him between the legs on the clear cut breakaway.
• I thought Ryley Grantham had a solid game for the home team. Grantham was involved physically, was in a series of pushing matches after the whistle, and even got into 'verbal warfare' with Giants goaltender Tyson Sexsmith after marginal contact was made between the two as Sexsmith played the puck behind the Giants net.
• Rockets head coach Ryan Huska pointed to his team failing to get significant secondary shots on Sexsmith. While the Rockets fired 35 shots on net, Huska didn't feel the quality was good enough to beat a goaltender that got better as the game wore on.
• I thought both Evander Kane and Casey Pierro-Zabotel had quiet games. Neither were a force offensively, as Craig Cunningham and Bouma took charge. What's scary is if those two come alive, what type of trouble are the Rockets in for?
• After looking stellar playing together with Cody Almond, Mikael Backlund and Ian Duval couldn't create the magic they had in games one and two. It wasn't because of a lack of trying, but Jamie Benn and Colin Long appeared to be a greater threat offensively in game three.
• It marked the first time in the playoffs that the Rockets suffered a loss at home. The Rockets are 5 and 1 at Prospera Place in post season.
• Giants co-owner Pat Quinn took in Tuesday's game. He was low profile, elected to watch the game from a luxury box.
• It was nice to see Kyle St. Denis return to the Rockets lineup in game three. The 19 year-old forward saw a limited role, but it was just nice to see #23 in Kelowna Rockets colours. St. Denis had missed 25 straight games with a concussion.
• Be sure to check back later this morning for pic's and video from game three.

Random Pics From Vancouver

Guggs in warmup. Being a goaltender, I tend to take more than my share of pictures of them.

The waving towel that fans received before game one in Vancouver.

You will notice lots of friendly banter between fans in the WCF. This fan took the opportunity to walk up to the broadcast booth at Pacific Coliseum and show me his banner. If we can't even slightly chuckle at his attempt at changing the Rockets logo, in my opinion you are wound up just a little too tight. If I see any interesting banners in game three or four, I'll be sure to post them

This is a pic of the seats covered with white waving towels before game one Saturday night.

I love this photo. Rockets tough guy Ryley Grantham doesn't stretch in the corner. 'Granny' prefers to limber up right at the centre ice red line, where he can be seen and heard.

Things That Make Me Go Hmm...

• I find it strange that Rockets forward Ryley Grantham has not been involved in one shoving match in the first two games of this series. 'Granny' is most affective when he is sticking his nose in other people's business. What surprises me more is the 21 year-old hasn't even taken a minor penalty in the first two games. I don't want him to take a bad penalty, but I want him to be a pain in the arse to play against.
• He was pass happy during the regular season, but Ian Duval is getting the message that shooting the puck is a good option. Duval has goals in four straight games and has 8 goals in this years playoffs. Jamie Benn has 8 playoff goals! You can't criticize Duval for his contribution in this years post season. He's been a special player playing with Mikael Backlund.
• Thirteen goals have been scored in this series, with 8 of those coming even strength. Five goals have been scored on the power play, three by the Giants and two by the Rockets.
• I find it interesting that of the 13 goals scored in the first two games, 11 have been scored in the final two periods. Only one goal has been scored in the opening 20 minutes with another goal coming in overtime in game two.
• The Giants last win in Kelowna came January 21st in a 6-4 victory. Mikael Backlund scored his first WHL goal in that game.
• How have the Rockets done in game three situations? The Rockets won game three in Kamloops in overtime by a 4-3 score in the opening round and managed to earn a 7-2 win over Tri City in game three in round two. The last time the Rockets lost game three of a playoff series was last season when they fell 3-2 in overtime to Seattle in an opening round series.
• Can you name the number of Kelowna Rockets alumni participating in the Stanley Cup playoffs? Six former players are battling for Lord Stanley's Cup. Travis Moen (San Jose), Troy Bodie (Anahiem), Alex Edler (Vancouver), Josh Gorges (Montreal), Duncan Keith (Chicago) and Chuck Kobasew (Boston) are all involved in the second season.
• The Vancouver Giants introduced waving towels in game one of the Western Conference final, something the Kelowna Rockets are also handing out in game three tonight. The waving towels looked impressive when the crowd was prompted by a message that flashed on the Pacific Coliseum score clock. It should provide for an awesome sight in game three when all 6 thousand get into the act at Prospera Place.
• Is it a sign of a slow economy? It has to be. The Kelowna Rockets send out a press release yesterday saying 600 tickets have been released to the general public for game three tonight. In the past this would have been unheard of, as a Rockets ticket was the hottest ticket in town. It's still a hot ticket, yet from my vantage point, people are a little tighter with their wallet.
• Injuries at this time of the year are common place and are kept behind closed doors. The same holds true for broadcasters. I will admit I too am suffering from an injury in this playoff series. I will only say that it is an upper body injury. I've been trying hide it in the first two games of this series, but something tells me Giants play-by-play man Dave Sheldon is catching on. I've been secretly taking cough syrup when he isn't looking and I thought he caught me taking a throat lozenge before game two, but I quickly told him I was simply putting a Timbit in my mouth. I even think he bought the theory that I am suffering from an allergic reaction to the insulation up in the Pacific Coliseum rafters. Stay tuned!
• Two words. Steve Ewen. The Vancouver Province beat writer occasionally trips over this blog. I appreciate his visit.

Game Notes vs. Giants

Tonight’s Preview: The Kelowna Rockets and Vancouver Giants are meeting in game three of a best of seven Western Conference Championship Series. The series is all tied at one win apiece after the Rockets opened with a 4-2 win in game one before the Giants earned a 4-3 overtime win in game two. Game four is Thursday night at Prospera Place before the series moves back to Vancouver for game five on Saturday. These two teams are meeting in the WHL playoffs for the first time since 2005. That season the two teams met in round one with the Rockets winning in six games. These two teams also met in 2003, with the Rockets eliminating the Giants in four straight in round one. This season the Giants beat the Rockets in 5 of the 8 meetings, yet the Rockets won the last three games. Overall the Giants out-scored the Rockets 30-23 in the eight games. The Rockets were 9 for 40 (22.5%) on the power play in the seasonal series while the Giants were 11 for 48 (22.9%) with the extra man.

What’s Happened So Far? The Rockets have out-scored the Giants 7-6 in the first two playoff games. Of the 13 goals that have been scored in the series, eight have been scored even strength. The Rockets are 2 for 9 in the series on the power play (22.2%) while the Giants are 3 for 15 (20%). Of the 13 goals scored in the first two games, 11 have been scored in the final 40 minutes of the game. Only one goal has been scored in the first period, with a single goal coming in overtime. Ironically both teams have registered 59 shots on goal in the first two games.

Round Two Recap: The Rockets eliminated the Tri City Americans in six games in a Western Conference semi final series. The Rockets lost the first two games on the road before winning four straight to advance to the Western Conference final for the fifth time in the last eight seasons. The Rockets out-scored the Americans 27-16. Overall the Rockets were 10 for 29 (34.5%) on the power play while the Americans were 6 for 30 (20%). The home team won five of the six games. Jamie Benn led the Rockets with 4+9=13 in the six games.

Round One Recap: The Rockets eliminated the Kamloops Blazers in four straight games in the opening round. Overall the Rockets out-scored the Blazers 17-8 in the four games. Jamie Benn led the Rockets with ten points in the series (3+7=10), while Cody Almond, Tyson Barrie, and Tyler Myers each had five points apiece. Mark Guggenberger started in all four games, going 4-0-0-0, with a goals against average of 1.91.

Interesting Data: The Rockets have opened the scoring in 7 of the twelve games in the playoffs. After opening up the scoring just once in four games against Kamloops in round one, the Rockets were able to open the scoring in five of the six games against Tri City…The Rockets have scored a power play goal in nine of the 12 playoff games…The Rockets are 9 and 3 in 12 career playoff games against the Giants…Cody Almond was the Rockets leading scorer against the Giants during the regular season. Almond had 4+5=9 while Colin Long was next on the list with 2+6=8. Jamie Benn had Almond led the team in goals scored against the Giants with 4 each. Mark Guggenberger had a goals against average of 2.66 in four starts…The Rockets are now 2 and 1 in overtime in the playoffs. Jamie Benn’s overtime winner in game four of a second round series came on the heels of Cody Almond’s exploits in game three of an opening round series against Kamloops. The Rockets lost game two of this series when Casey Pierro-Zabotel scored with 35 seconds left in the first overtime period.

Benny and the Jets: Jamie Benn has 35 career playoff points in just 19 games. Benn has 11+24=35. Benn has points in 18 of 19 career playoff games dating back to last season. Cody Almond has points in 11 of 12 playoffs games. Both Benn and Almond were held off the score sheet in game one.

Who’s Hot: Mikael Backlund has points in six straight games (6+6=12). Backlund also has goals in five of his last six games. Ian Duval has goals in four straight games, and has 5+1=6 over that period. Tyson Barrie has 2+7=9 in his last nine games. Tyler Myers has points in eight of twelve playoff games, yet does not have a point in this series. Almond has goals in four of his last seven games. Jamie Benn has goals in five of his last seven games.

Split On Opposition Ice

• As much as you have to give the Giants credit for tying the series at one, I just didn't like the Rockets intensity/urgency level in game two. Maybe I was just spoiled after game one? What I saw from the visitors in game one was a team playing like it was game seven, not game one. Game two unfortunately was well short of the performance the visitors exhibited less than 24 hours earlier.
• The Rockets allowed the Giants 9 chances on the power play, which is hockey suicide at this time of the year. Many of the penalties were uncalled for fouls, including several high sticking infractions. It again showed me that the Rockets weren't mentally 'locked in' during Sunday's effort.
• I don't have a problem when the officials call Mikael Backlund for tripping a Giants defenseman in overtime, only if a call is also made when Curt Gogol is hit into the corner by defenseman Brent Regner. Neither came close to a scoring chance, yet Backlund gets the gate in overtime on a marginal call while Regner's suspect hit on Gogol is viewed as just that, suspect.
• I liked the game winning goal. Why? It was ugly, and is typical of the way overtime goals are scored in the playoffs. A shot from the point hits a Giants forward parked in front of the net, next thing you know, it's a mad scramble and Casey Pierro -Zabotel deposits the puck past goaltender Mark Guggenberger. The Rockets had a similar chance in overtime, yet a Collin Bowman slap shot from the point is snared out of mid air by Giants goaltender Tyson Sexsmith with no traffic in front.
• The best Rocket? Mikael Backlund showed the most consistent energy over the course of the game. Long, Benn and Almond provided pressure, but were not consistently causing havoc in the attacking zone. Backlund could have been the goat for two penalties taken late in the game, one in the third period and one in overtime, yet his team was able to kill them off.
• It's amazing what the Rockets can accomplish when they put their minds to it. Down 3-1 late in the third, two quick goals and the game has to be decided in overtime.
• The Giants out-shot the Rockets 11-5 in the extra period, thanks largely to two power play chances, but more so out of desperation to get back in the series. While the Rockets wanted game one more than the Giants, and succeeded, the roles were reversed Sunday night.
• You have to love the play of Lance Bouma. The feisty forward has provided energy for the Giants in the first two games of this series and arguably has been the teams most consistent forward. Evander Kane has looked good in spurts, but in my eyes it's been Bouma leading the charge.
• The overtime loss was the Rockets first in this years playoffs. The Rockets were able to win overtime games against Kamloops and Tri City. Cody Almond and Jamie Benn were the hero's in those games.
• The loss snapped the Rockets four game winning streak against the Giants. The Rockets won the last three games during the regular season and game one of this series.
• The loss also means a game five will be played Saturday night in Vancouver. No matter what happens in games three and four in Kelowna, we are headed back to Pacific Coliseum Saturday night.

Backlund Big In Game One Win

• Mikael Backlund knows little about the Vancouver Giants. What Backlund does know is the Giants were the best team in the Western Conference this season, and they stand in his way of playoff success. Backlund was a force, scoring once and adding two assists, leading the Rockets to a 4-2 win over the Giants Saturday night, helping his team to a 1-0 lead in the best of seven Western Conference championship series.
• Backlund's goal to open the scoring in the second period on the power play was impressive, but his ability to create a turnover in the Giants' zone before finding Ian Duval at the right side of the net for a picture perfect goal was downright impressive. When you see plays like that, there's no doubting Backlund is a world class player.
• Colour analyst Gord McGarva pointed it out on our pre-game show that it was a sign of things to come after 'Take A Chance On Me' by Abba was played on the extremely loud PA system at Pacific Coliseum prior to the two teams taking to the ice for the pre-game warmup. He was right!
• Ian Duval scored two goals, the latter being an empty net backhand, making it a 4-2 final. Duval was a threat offensively courtesy of his ability to outwork the Giants to loose pucks. Duval's ability to score appears to only come naturally when he is working his tail off. If he's dogging it, he does little damage. He was a work horse in game one.
• Jamie Benn's 10 game point streak came to an end Saturday night. The same can be said for Cody Almond. While Benn, Almond and Long were quiet offensively, the Giants had to focus on them, benefiting Backlund and Duval. Now if the Giants focus on Backlund and Duval, look for Almond and Benn to have success. Having depth offensively is a beautiful thing.
• Rockets goaltender Mark Guggenberger will want to have the Giants second goal back, yet Tyson Sexsmith could say the same thing about Mitchell Callahan's goal, which squeezed between his legs to make it 2-0. I am staying firm in my belief that Guggenberger needs to play on par with Sexsmith for the Rockets to have success in this series. He did that in game one.
• Guggenberger earned an assist on the Backlund goal, his second assist of the playoffs.
• Can I rant? Yes the Rockets won the game, but what's with the Giants getting four consecutive power plays in a game that saw several pushing and shoving matches after the play, yet often times, a Rockets player was fingered to the box. I don't mind if the officials take both players off the ice in a post whistle scrum, but finding one offender when gloves are being shoved in each others faces is just wrong in a series of this magnitude.
• I have never seen the Giants turnover the puck as much as I did in game one. Several miscues resulted in good scoring chances for the visitors, including some pin point shots off the stick of Lucas Bloodoff.
• The Rockets defensive core was solid. The three T's were on top of their game. Tyler Myers and Tyson Barrie were their usually selves, but Tysen Dowzak was especially strong. Using his big body, Dowzak played with a burr under his saddle. I asked the question on an early blog entry on which Rockets d-man would stand up to the challenge in this series. Dowzak answered the bell in game one.
• The Rockets out-shot the Giants for the first time this season. That is no small feat. The Giants were out-shot just 5 times during the regular season.
• Mitchell Callahan earned his first WHL playoff goal, a slap shot through the legs of Tyson Sexsmith, which gave the Rockets a 2-0 lead.

Game Notes vs Giants

Tonight’s Preview: The Kelowna Rockets and Vancouver Giants are meeting in game one of a best of seven Western Conference Championship Series. Game two is tomorrow night before the series shifts to Kelowna for games three and four Tuesday and Thursday. These two teams are meeting in the WHL playoffs for the first time since 2005. That season the two teams met in round one with the Rockets winning in six games. These two teams also met in 2003, with the Rockets eliminating the Giants in four straight in round one. This season the Giants beat the Rockets in 5 of the 8 meetings, yet the Rockets won the last three games. Overall the Giants out-scored the Rockets 30-23 in the eight games. The Rockets were 9 for 40 (22.5%) on the power play in the seasonal series while the Giants were 11 for 48 (22.9%) with the extra man.

Round Two Recap: The Rockets eliminated the Tri City Americans in six games in a Western Conference semi final series. The Rockets lost the first two games on the road before winning four straight to advance to the Western Conference final for the fifth time in the last eight seasons. The Rockets out-scored the Americans 27-16. Overall the Rockets were 10 for 29 (34.5%) on the power play while the Americans were 6 for 30 (20%). The home team won five of the six games. Jamie Benn led the Rockets with 4+9=13 in the six games.

Round One Recap: The Rockets eliminated the Kamloops Blazers in four straight games in the opening round. Overall the Rockets out-scored the Blazers 17-8 in the four games. Jamie Benn led the Rockets with ten points in the series (3+7=10), while Cody Almond, Tyson Barrie, and Tyler Myers each had five points apiece. Mark Guggenberger started in all four games, going 4-0-0-0, with a goals against average of 1.91.

Interesting Data: The Rockets have opened the scoring in 6 of the ten games in the playoffs. After opening up the scoring just once in four games against Kamloops in round one, the Rockets were able to open the scoring in five of the six games against Tri City…The Rockets have scored a power play goal in seven of the 10 playoff games…The Rockets are technically 8 and 2 in 10 career playoff games against the Giants…Cody Almond was the Rockets leading scorer against the Giants during the regular season. Almond had 4+5=9 while Colin Long was next on the list with 2+6=8. Jamie Benn had Almond led the team in goals scored against the Giants with 4 each. Mark Guggenberger had a goals against average of 2.66 in four starts…Sixteen power play goals were scored in a second round series with Tri City…The Rockets are now 2 and 0 in overtime in the playoffs. Jamie Benn’s overtime winner in game four of a second round series came on the heels of Cody Almond’s exploits in game three of an opening round series against Kamloops. In the bigger picture, the Rockets have won three straight games in overtime, including Lucas Bloodoff’s game winner against Seattle in an opening round series in 2007…. The Rockets scored ten power play goals against Tri City…The Rockets had 16 even strength goals, and a shorthanded goal against the Am’s.

The Streak Continues: Jamie Benn has 34 career playoff points in just 17 games. Benn has 10+24=34. What’s most impressive is Benn has a point in every playoff game he’s been involved in. Benn is riding a 17 game point streak in the playoffs dating back to last season. Benn has a 10 game point streak in the year’s playoffs, which is tied with Cam Paddock (2003) for the franchise record for most consecutive points in a playoff series. Cody Almond also has a 10 game point streak heading into tonight’s game.

Who’s Hot: Tyson Barrie has 2+6=8 in his last seven games. Tyler Myers has points in eight of ten playoff games. Myers has 4+9=13 over that stretch. Cody Almond has 17 playoff points in ten playoff games after recording just 3 points in 7 playoff games last season. Almond has a 10 game playoff point streak. Almond has scored goals in three of his last five games.

Who's In The Drivers Seat?

Different Data and Number Crunching

• The Giants had 10 more wins and 21 more points than the Rockets during the regular season.
• The Rockets top two point getter's (Long and Benn) combined for 173 points this season. Long and Benn were in on 65 % of the teams goals this season. The Giants top two point producers (Pierro-Zabotel and Kane) combined for 211 points. Those two were in on 66% of the Giants goals.
• The Giants scored 52 more goals and allowed 27 fewer goals against during the regular season.
• The Giants scored 17 more power play goals during the regular season, and also had 13 more chances.
• The Rockets gave up 5 more power play goals than the Giants during the regular season.
• The Giants had 13 players with 30 or more points. The Rockets had 10.
• The oldest player on the ice in this series is Rockets forward Ryley Grantham. Grantham turned 21 January 7th. All three of the Giants overage players are still 20. Craig Schira will be the first to turn 21 on April 21st. The youngest player is Rockets 16 year-old Shane McColgan. Giants 16 year-old forward JT Barrett is just over 3 months older than McColgan.
• The city of Victoria is well represented with four players taking part in the Western Conference final. Jamie Benn and Tyson Barrie are from the Victoria, while Giants forward Gary Nunn and Jamie Tucker called the Island home.
• It should be pointed out that the community of Trail has two players in this series. Kyle St. Denis of the Rockets and Craig Cunningham of the Giants hail from that BC city of just 72 hundred.
• Nineteen of the 48 players (40%) on the two teams rosters are from the province of BC. Eleven hail from Alberta with ten from the U-S-A. It's interesting to note that the province of Saskatchewan and Manitoba have just two players represented.
• Thirty one of the 48 players (65%) in this series shoot left. The top four scoring forwards in this series shoot left. They include Jamie Benn, Cody Almond, Evander Kane and Casey Pierro-Zabotel. That said, the top two scoring defenceman for their respective teams, Tyler Myers and Jon Blum, shoot right.

Shea Weber Interview on 2005 Playoffs vs. Giants

www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_1736.MP3&nid=913349

Six Things To Watch Out For...

1) Two top end defenseman facing off in this series. Who's better, Giants rearguard Jon Blum or Kelowna Rockets d-man Tyler Myers? Both are first round draft picks, Blum by Nashville and Myers by Buffalo. While both are completely different players, both are arguably the top two defenseman in the Western Conference.

2) Intensity. It won't be a problem for the Rockets, but can they come close to the intensity line without going over it? Emotion is good, but too much can be detrimental.The Giants are the older team, and will do all they can to rattle the Rockets cage in an effort to send them to the penalty box. In some instances it's best to turn your cheek and skate away. Who ever does this the best may just end up winning the series.

3) Two players who shouldn't be forgotten in this series is the role Ryley Grantham and Lance Bouma will play. Grantham's 'policeman role' was limited against the Tri City Americans simply because no one wanted to get involved, and frankly liberties were not taken against the Rockets top end players. That's where Bouma comes in. Bouma is one of the best open ice hitters in the game and likes nothing more than to get into the face of an opposition forward. Look for those two to make a significant contribution in this series.

4) Solid officiating. We are down to the final teams to decide who is going to battle for the league title. If game six of the Tri City series was any indication, the officials will do their utmost to allow the two teams to decide matters. That may mean some tripping or questionable hooking calls will receive a blind eye from the officials, but I would far and away rather witness a series where the referee's step back, then a best of seven where the fans routinely yell out "We want a ref".

5) Secondary scoring. While Jamie Benn and Evander Kane will have the spotlight on them, the '20 goal guys' is what I like to call them, are the ones that could make a huge difference in this series. A '20 goal guy' is someone like Stepan Novotny for the Rockets and James Wright for Vancouver. Novotny had 19 goals while Wright had 21 makers. Those two may not see the best defensive pairing from the opposing team, so its a chance for them to shine in the offensive zone.

6) Adjustments. Who does a better job of adjusting to what the other team is doing is often times a huge key in a series win. If the Rockets are being hemmed in their own zone from a relentless Giants fore check, how do they counteract that? How do the Giants keep the puck away from the Rockets forwards, who seem to excel when they are allowed significant time and space in the offensive zone?

Beard Battle

Brandon McMillan
Tysen Dowzak.

Ryley Grantham

Stepan Novotny.

These are my picks for top four playoff beards on the Kelowna Rockets. Vote for your favorite on the comments below. A champion will be declared.

Rockets Fans Get Their Wish

• The match up against the Giants will benefit more than just the fans of the Kelowna Rockets, who were very verbal on who they wanted their team to face in the Western Conference final. Who wouldn't want a chance to knock off the Western Conference regular season champions? Who doesn't want to beat a team in a playoff series that lost just 10 times during the regular season? If you can't admit that, you have no competitive juices running through your veins. The Giants may see it a different way, but clearly they are the Rockets greatest rival. That is the key reason why the Rockets will come out with no lack of emotion in this series.
• The match up I am looking forward to watching is between Tyler Myers and Evander Kane. We saw Myers on the ice against Tri City sharp shooter Mitch Fadden in round one, and Myers came through with flying colours. But we've seen the Giants separate Kane with Casey Pierro-Zabotel, meaning another Rockets defenceman outside of Myers has to stand up. Who is it? We will find out Saturday night.
• In my opinion Mark Guggenberger simply needs to match the play of Giants goaltender Tyson Sexsmith. I don't think 'Guggs' has to steal a game, but has to be as solid as 'Sexy'. That said, if he really wants to steal a game, let him!
• Jamie Benn admits he loves to play at Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver. Benn says the big crowd, even if they cheer against him, pumps him up. On top of that he will have his dad, mom, and sister watching from the stands. Benn is from nearby Victoria.
• Benn admits it's a war on the ice, but he has a friendship with Giants forward Gary Nunn off it. The two were teammates with the BC Hockey League's Victoria Grizzlies.
• Get ready for all the articles in the newspapers about the connection between Rockets head coach Ryan Huska and Giants bench boss Don Hay. Hay coached Huska in junior with the Kamloops Blazers and the two are now competing for a Western Conference championship. I can see the headline now 'Teacher vs. Pupil'.
• As a kid my grandma called it the devils tool. It's the television. To a radio broadcaster the TV is still the devils tool, but you can't but like those two smiling guys, Bill Wilms and Dan Russell on Shaw. Or is it Dan Russell and Bill Wilms? They will be calling all the action on the 'devils tool' in this series while Gord McGarva and I will be calling the action on the 'chatter box'.
• Isn't it funny that the radio guys are now on TV while the paper guys are now on radio? Where do the TV guys go?
• I had the opportunity to visit with Ross Ruttle today. Ruttle was the Rockets anthem singer for several seasons before falling ill. He is now in a Kelowna hospice. It is truly sad to see a man with such a strong voice now only able to whisper. Ross Ruttle was not only the Rockets anthem singer, but he is a HUGE Rockets fan. He wanted to wish me, the Rockets players, and the front office staff the best of luck in this series. He will be watching/listening from his bed during the series. AM-1150 started the regular season with a pre-recorded version of 'O Canada' sung by Ruttle during the 2004 Memorial Cup. That anthem will again hit our airwaves in game one of the WCCS (Western Conference Championship Series).

The Giants And Rockets Clash Saturday Night

Game one and two of the series will be played Saturday and Sunday in Vancouver with games three and four back in Kelowna Tuesday and Thursday of next week. The series starts Saturday so not to conflict with a playoff game involving the NHL's Vancouver Canucks. These two teams last met in the first round in 2005, with the Rockets winning in 6 games. These two teams also met in the opening round in 2003 with the Rockets winning in four straight.

Rockets 'Tune' Up for Third Round

Concerning a Previous Post

In the wake of comments on this blog concerning a hit Tyler Myers initiated on Americans forward Mitch Fadden, I want to clearly state that it was not my intention to celebrate the fact that an opposition player was injured. The Western Hockey League's mandate is to offer a safe environment for it's players, allowing them to demonstrate their skill in an effort to advance their careers. I applaud the WHL's stance on taking unfair play out of the game. I do offer my apology to those readers offended by my posting, as it could have been worded more carefully.

I appreciate most of the responses to my blog postings, but unfortunately some have gone over the line by using profanity. I will now be moderating all comments on this blog from this day forward. This was one of the last WHL blog's to implement this 'filter', but unfortunately I have no other choice.

Thanks for visiting the site.

Sincerely

Regan Bartel

Four Rockets Ranked

NHL Central Scouting has released it's list of the top North American players rated for this summers draft. Tyson Barrie is rated 52nd, Stepan Novotny is ranked 93rd, Collin Bowman is 147th and Evan Bloodoff is 167th.

Random Pic's From Round Two

He hasn't been lost in the shuffle. Goaltender Adam Brown hasn't seen any playing time in the playoffs, yet provides an added voice on the bench during games and has to be ready on a moments notice.

The dreaded cow bells are on sale at Toyota Center. They wouldn't get approval for use at Prospera Place, but they are common place at the home of the Tri City Americans.

A pic of Americans forward Taylor Procyshen during warm up in game six.

At Rockets practice. Mark Guggenberger stays with the play.

Gugg's taking a breather during a workout.

Mitch Fadden during warm up in game one.

Mikael Backlund returns to the Rockets lineup in game two.

The Rockets often had to use two pucks to get a goal on Chet Pickard. Actually trick photography here, as this shot is taken during warm up.

Rockets Move A Step Closer

F.Y.I

Jason Reese and Mitch Fadden are back in the lineup tonight for the Americans. Reese has missed the last four games with a knee injury, while Fadden missed game five with an arm injury.

Things That Make Me Go Hmm....

• How concerning is it that no one stepped up and got into the face of Rockets forward Mikael Backlund after his verbal altercation with Americans goaltender Chet Pickard in game five? Backlund scores to make it 4-1, and verbally trash talks with Pickard and continues the assault with some gestures towards the goaltender during the ensuing face-off. Is that not a sign of where we are headed for game six?
• Ryley Grantham saw little ice time in game five. The reason? Likely a lack of foot speed and his inability to create some noise on the fore check. Grantham must initiate body contact to be an effective foot soldier in the playoffs. If he strays off that plan and attempts to play more of a dangler type of game, he is ineffective.
• The Tri City Americans have been accused of diving in this series, and the officials have taken notice. Several of the penalty calls in game five were off-setting minors, which in my books is the safe call. If you are questioning the legitimacy of a penalty that has the opposing player falling down with ease, why not finger both of them to the box. The act of diving simply cheapens the game and the offender should be penalized. The hope is that anyone who falls to the ice, did so because they were legitimately hooked or tripped.
• What makes me most upset about shoddy officiating is when it is done in a manner to keep the game close. When a team has a 2-0 lead, it appears from my vantage point that the officials tend to side with the team that is trailing, and therefore calling questionable penalties against whoever is leading on the scoreboard.
• What's wrong with this picture. Colin Long, the Western Conference nominee for sportsmanlike player of the year, has 14 penalty minutes in the playoffs. Long had 28 penalty minutes in 68 games this season.
• Who holds the Rockets record for most goals in a playoff season? Jesse Schultz had 12 goals during the 2003 playoffs. Tyler Mosienko and Cam Paddock each had 11 goals during the 2003 post season. Randall Gelech had 10 goals in 2004 while Chuck Kobasew had 10 goals in the 2002 playoffs.
• Jamie Benn has a 9 game point streak in this years playoffs heading into game six this afternoon. The longest playoff point streak in Rockets franchise history is 10, held by Cam Paddock during the 2003 post season.
• Benn is just 6 points shy of the franchise playoff record for points in a playoff. Benn has 22 points, six fewer than Jesse Schultz, who had 28 during the 2003 post season. That playoff, Schultz was named the MVP.
• It's at this time of the year that negative talk revolves around who the Rockets will lose following this seasons playoff run. Who cares! Let's celebrate the fact that we are seeing several elite players right before our eyes, and those players are wearing Kelowna Rockets colours. Would you rather have a roster that consisted of marginally skilled players that had no shot at playing pro hockey, or several elite players that have a short career with their junior team, yet put a smile on your face every time you watch them play? I'll take a three year player who marvels you with his skill over a five year player that brought his lunch bucket to every game.

Game Six Game Notes

Tonight’s Preview: The Kelowna Rockets and Tri City Americans are meeting in game six of a seven game Western Conference semi final series. The Rockets lead the series three games to two. After losing the first two games of the series, the Rockets have won three in a row. If a game seven is necessary, it will be played Tuesday night at the Toyota Center in Kennewick Washington. In the first five games the Rockets have out-scored the Americans 21-14. The Americans have out-shot the Rockets in three of the five games though. Overall the Rockets have out-shot the Americans 150-144. The Rockets are 10 for 24 (42%) on the power play in the series while the Americans are 5 for 28 (17.9%) with the extra man. The home team has won four of the five games in this series. Three of the five games have been decided by a single goal.

Scoring By Period:

1 2 3 OT Total

Rockets: 6 7 7 1 21

Americans: 1 4 9 0 14

Interesting Data: The Rockets have scored the opening goal in all five games. Lucas Bloodoff (twice), Jamie Benn and Mikael Backlund (twice) have opened the scoring…. Fifteen (15) power play goals have been scored in the first five games. A total of 35 goals have been scored by the two teams…The Rockets are now 2 and 0 in overtime in the playoffs. Jamie Benn’s overtime winner in game four came on the heels of Cody Almond’s exploits in game three against Kamloops. In the bigger picture, the Rockets have won three straight games in overtime, including Lucas Bloodoff’s game winner against Seattle in an opening round series in 2007…. Colin Long snapped a seven game goal scoring drought in game five with an empty netter. It was his first goal since scoring in game one of an opening round series against Kamloops…The Rockets have scored ten power play goals in this series as compared to the Americans 5…The Rockets have 11 even strength goals while the Am’s have 9…The Rockets last experience in a game six came last season when Lucas Bloodoff scored in overtime leading the Rockets to a 4-3 win over Seattle. That game was also played at Prospera Place.

Game One Recap: Taylor Procyshen’s power play goal at the 18:07 mark of the third period stood up as the game winner leading the Tri City Americans to a 4-3 win over the Rockets Friday night. Two of the Americans four goals were scored on the power play. Evan Bloodoff, Lucas Bloodoff and Tyson Barrie scored goals in a losing cause, as the Rockets went 1 for 3 on the power play. The Am’s were 2 for 5 with the extra man. The Americans out-shot the Rockets 39-26, including 18-5 in the third period.

Game Two Recap: Taylor Procyshen scored the game winning goal at the 17:17 mark of the third period leading the Americans to a 3-2 win. The Rockets built up a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes on goals by Jamie Benn and Cody Almond. The Americans out-shot the Rockets 34-26. Kelowna was 1 for 3 on the power play while Tri City was 1 for 5 with the extra man. Mark Guggenberger took the loss in goal making 31 saves.

Game Three Recap: Jamie Benn scored once and added three assists leading the Rockets to a 7-2 win. Cody Almond and Tyler Myers each chipped in with a goal and two assists, as the Rockets out-shot the Americans 35-16. Kelowna was 4 for 9 on the power play while the Americans were 1 for 7.

Game Four Recap: Jamie Benn’s power play goal at the 12:52 mark of overtime lifted the Kelowna Rockets to a 4-3 win over the Tri City Americans. Benn’s goal came after Tyler Myers tied the game at 3 with a power play goal at the 6:37 mark of the third period. Mikael Backlund and Cody Almond also scored in the win. The Rockets out-shot the Americans 38-29. The Rockets were 3 for 5 on the power play while the Americans were 1 for 4 with the extra man.

Game Five Recap: Stepan Novotny scored the game winner on the power play in the second period, leading the Rockets to a 5-2 win Friday night. Lucas Bloodoff, Ian Duval, Mikael Backlund and Colin Long also scored in the win. The Rockets were 1 for 4 on the power play while the Americans were 0 for 7. Mark Guggenberger made 35 saves in the win. The Americans out-shot the Rockets 26-25.

What Happened In Round One: The Rockets eliminated the Kamloops Blazers in four straight games in the opening round. Overall the Rockets out-scored the Blazers 17-8 in the four games. Jamie Benn led the Rockets with ten points in the series (3+7=10), while Cody Almond, Tyson Barrie, and Tyler Myers each had five points apiece. Mark Guggenberger started in all four games, going 4-0-0-0, with a goals against average of 1.91.

The Streak Continues: Jamie Benn has 33 career playoff points in just 16 games. Benn has 9+24=33. What’s most impressive is Benn has a point in every playoff game he’s been involved in. Benn is riding a 16 game point streak in the playoffs dating back to last season.

Backlund Has Last Laugh In Verbal Duel With Pickard

• Mikael Backlund's second effort created some insurance for the Kelowna Rockets in a 5-2 win Friday night over the Tri City Americans. Backlund's first shot was stopped by Pickard, yet his second attempt trickled over the goaltenders shoulder, giving the visitors a 4-1 third period lead. It was that goal that took the air out of the Americans tires and dashed any chances of a comeback bid.
• Backlund showed some emotion after the goal by verbally jarring with Pickard. It likely all stemmed from Pickard getting in the face of Backlund after robbing him in overtime in game four Wednesday night. Backlund had the last laugh Friday night.
• The Rockets did a near perfect job of protecting the lead, allowing just 6 shots on goal through the final 20 minutes. The best flurry the Americans had was during a power play with the goaltender pulled. On top of that, defenceman Tyler Myers was playing without a stick. Despite the pressure, Mark Guggenberger was able to shut the door.
• Speaking of Guggenberger, his quick pass up the near boards to a waiting Jamie Benn was the key in the game winning goal. Benn picked up the puck just outside the Americans blue line, located Novotny, who snapped a shot past Pickard to make it 3-1.
• The first period had the most flow, with both teams initiating body contact. While the Americans were willing to push back, does it not play in the Rockets hands when the opposition focuses on going tooth and nail with the much larger opponent?
• The Rockets have now opened the scoring in every game in this series. Lucas Bloodoff's goal just under 7 minutes into the period got the visitors off to a great start.
• It was Colin Long's best game of the series. Long's assist on the opening goal was a great way to kick off the game, and his empty netter, while insignificant in the big scheme of things, just proves that if you work hard, the puck tends to find you. Long's goal came from just inside the Rockets blue line.
• The refereeing duo of Matt Kirk and Derek Zalaski were clamping down on one thing - diving. Anything close to a dive and the offender was sent to the penalty box. I am just hoping the double minor Colin Long received for diving was in error. I have never seen a double minor for diving. Let's hope the call was two minutes for diving and two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct.
• For the first time in this series my favorite Americans player,Kruise Reddick, had little impact. Reddick had an assist, but wasn't his dangerous self.
• While Brett Plouffe returned to the Americans defencive core, I thought the home team really missed Jarrett Toll. Toll appears to be the more physical of the two, and his ability to win board battles was clearly missed.
• Shane McColgan made his WHL playoff debut against the Americans Friday night. McColgan saw limited ice time, but having the 15 year-old experience the playoffs first hand can't be a bad thing - long term. Injecting McColgan into the lineup forced Spencer Main into the stands.
• For the first time in this series the Americans were unable to score a power play goal. The Am's were 0 for 7 with the extra man.
• The Rockets can wrap up the series with a win on home ice Sunday afternoon.

Video Before Game 5

A Few Tidbits Before Game 5

Things are looking a little different at Prospera Place these days. The standing room only section has been renamed reflecting the attributes of Rockets forward Cody Almond.

Interesting Data: The Rockets have scored the opening goal in all four games. Lucas Bloodoff, Jamie Benn and Mikael Backlund (twice) have opened the scoring…. The Americans have failed to score a first period goal in this series….Fourteen (14) power play goals have been scored in the first four games. That means 50% of the goals scored in this series have been with the extra man. A total of 28 goals have been scored by the two teams…Tysen Dowzak is a +7 in the series. …The Rockets are now 2 and 0 in overtime in the playoffs. Jamie Benn’s overtime winner in game four came on the heels of Cody Almond’s exploits in game three against Kamloops. In the bigger picture, the Rockets have won three straight games in overtime, including Lucas Bloodoff’s game winner against Seattle in an opening round series in 2007…. Colin Long has no goals in his last seven games. The Rockets leading scorer during the regular season has just one goal in the playoffs. It was scored in game one of an opening round series against Kamloops…Happy birthday Ryan Cuthbert. The Rockets assistant coach was born April 10^th, 1982.

F.Y.I

The officials for Friday's game are Derek Zalaski and Matt Kirk. Kirk officiated game one of an opening round series against Kamloops, while the Rockets have yet to experience Zalaski in the playoffs.

Game 4 Highlites

www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FRO9_1694.MP3&nid=908686

It's Now A Best Of Three

• Jamie Benn has scored many big goals for the Kelowna Rockets, but none were bigger than his power play goal Wednesday night. Benn's blast from the right face-off circle on a nice feed from Cody Almond lifted the Rockets to a 4-3 win, tying the best of seven series at two wins apiece. Game five is tomorrow night in Kennewick. The win also forces a game six back in Kelowna Sunday afternoon.
• The goal was scored after Tri City defensman Riley McIntosh was fingered to the penalty box after hooking Ian Duval on a scoring chance. While the penalty call could be disputed, you have to remember that the Americans earned wins in game one and two on late third period penalty calls, resulting in back-to-back game winning goals on the power play.
• The overtime penalty call wasn't near as bad as a penalty shot awarded to Mikael Backlund with seven minutes left in the third period with the game tied at 3. Backlund is undoubtedly hooked from behind as he is sent in against Americans goaltender Chet Pickard, but instead of calling a penalty, a penalty shot was awarded. Questionable call again, yet the Americans were awarded a penalty shot in game two when Jordon Messier was given a one-on-one chance with Rockets goaltender Mark Guggenberger, but also failed to score. Makes you wonder if the referee's in this league indeed look at the calls that were made in previous games.
• You have to admit that the Rockets were the more desperate team in the third period and in overtime though. The Rockets had 23 shots in the third period and overtime combined as compared to the Americans who managed just 9.
• Tyler Myers again was his usual self, eating up huge minutes in the crucial game. Myers would not only score the tying goal in the third period, but would assist on the game winner in overtime.
• As good as Myers was, Collin Bowman, Tyson Barrie, Tysen Dowzak and Brandon McMillan also need to be applauded for their efforts. After a shaky second period that saw the Rockets turnover the puck and make bad decisions in their own end, the defensive core was able to rebound with a much better third period, lending a helping hand to the come-from-behind win.
• The save of the series has to be Chet Pickard's glove hand grab on a Mikael Backlund shot in overtime. Tyson Barrie's back hand finds Backlund at the other side of the net for an easy tap-in. Wrong! Backlund's chip shot is snagged out of mid air by Pickard's glove. Wow.
• Pickard made another sensational save earlier on in the sequence when Jamie Benn was robbed after Pickard stacked his pads and somehow got his left leg on the shot that appeared destined for the top corner.
• The Rockets ended the game 3 for 5 on the power play and are now 7 for 14 (50%) in their last two games.
• Curt Gogol is getting ice time in overtime. What does that say about the confidence the coaching staff have in his play?
• Americans forward Mitch Fadden did not see any playing time in overtime, and the report I was getting was that Fadden left the arena with his arm in a sling. I didn't see this for myself, but heard this from one of the reporters down near the dressing room.
• Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter took in the game. If you missed it, here is the interview: www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FRO9_1683.MP3&nid=908429

Touching Base With Torrie Jung

www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FRO9_1677.MP3&nid=908131

Home Ice Success Continues

• Home ice is proving to be an advantage in the second round playoff series between the Kelowna Rockets and Tri City Americans. For the third straight game the home team managed to record a win, as the Rockets prevailed with a 7-2 win at Prospera Place.
• The Rockets received goals from seven different goal scorers. Jamie Benn had a goal and three assists while the Rockets scored four times on the power play. The Americans still lead the series 2 games to 1 heading into game four tonight.
• The Rockets 7 goal outburst matched the teams total of 7 goals scored in a game April 9/ 2004 in a 7-2 home ice win over what team? The Tri City Americans.
• I didn't know what to think when the Americans registered the first shot on goal just 20 seconds into the game, and then were given a power play chance less than a minute into the contest after Collin Bowman received a penalty for delay of game, after shooting the puck over the glass.
• A big hit early by rookie Curt Gogol on Americans defenseman Mitch McColm set the tone. It's that type of clean, physically play, that can turn the tide in your favor. It showed the Americans that the Rockets wouldn't go down easily in this one.
• Rockets head coach Ryan Huska often says by working hard, you are often times rewarded with breaks or bounces. The work ethic was much improved by the home team, resulting in some favorable bounces, translating in the lopsided score.
• The Rockets had seven scoring chances in the opening period. The Americans had just two.
• The Rockets power play was impressive, but the penalty kill was also solid, giving up only one goal in seven kills.
• 16. That was the number of shots the Rockets allowed on goal. It was a team blocking clinic by the home team, which allowed just three shots in the opening period and nine shots after 40 minutes.
• The Americans were without captain Taylor Procyshen, who was out with a undisclosed injury. Procyshen was hurt sometime in the third period of game two, yet was able to score a late third period goal on the power play to win the game.
• The only disappointing aspect of the game was the crowd. 52 hundred fans took in game three, about 800 short of a sell-out. Many teams would be happy with that crowd, but for the Rockets not to enjoy a packed building at this time of the year is unheard of.
• WHL Vice President of Hockey Richard Doerksen attended the contest.
• Regina Pats GM Brent Parker took in the game.
• I ran into Torrie Jung at last night's game. I'll have an interview with the former Rocket, now Edmonton Oil King goaltender tonight on the pre-game show on AM-1150.

Quick Thoughts Heading Into Game Three

• Kelowna Rockets general manager Bruce Hamilton called his teams effort in the first two games "disappointing". Hamilton believes his team is better than what they've shown in the first two games and they need to be more physical.
• Hamilton says in game one the forwards were "OK, yet our defense was terrible". In the second game he said the defense played better and the forwards didn't play. Hamilton says Mitchell Callahan's line was the best unit in the first two games. Hamilton says it's no slight to Callahan, but his team isn't going to win with just that line contributing.
• Hamilton wasn't shying away from naming names, when I asked him who needs to step up in game three. He pointed to the obvious. Jamie Benn, Colin Long, Cody Almond, Ian Duval and Lucas Bloodoff were all pointed out by Hamilton as players that need to step up and make an impact on the outcome of the game.
• Hamilton doesn't foresee Shane McColgan playing any games in the playoffs. The 15 year-old has joined the team for the remainder of the season, but only in a practice capacity. Hamilton says the only way McColgan would play is if someone is injured. Hamilton says the level of play in the playoffs is far greater than what McColgan experienced when he joined the team prior to the Christmas break.
• Jamie Benn admits his team was taken by surprise by the Tri City Americans in the first two games of this series. The Americans ability to control the play by simply out-working and Rockets to loose pucks, and failing to give it up, made for long stretches of play inside the Rockets zone.
• Don't be surprised if you see a Torrie Jung sighting tonight. The Edmonton Oil Kings goaltender is expected to watch both game three and four. I've made arrangements to meet Jung in the broadcast booth, with the hopes of chatting with him, both on the air, and off it.
• We shouldn't complain about the officiating tonight. Sean Raphael and Andy Thiessen will be at the controls. While we are just two games into the second round, I believe the officiating in round two is improved from what we saw in round one.

McColgan and St Denis Video

My Cup Is Half Full, Not Half Empty

• While the Kelowna Rockets find themselves down two games to none in their second round playoff series with the Tri City Americans, my cup remains half full, not half empty, as they attempt to fight back in this series. Why? Two reasons. The next two games are on home ice, and the Rockets have yet to reveal their true colours.
• Until the Rockets unleash all of their weapons and the Americans handle the onslaught, I can't buy into the feeling that the end is near. Granted, the Americans are making life difficult for the Rockets, but so did the Giants, Hitmen and Chiefs. Do I need to remind you who won those games?
• Tri City head coach Don Nachbaur said it best before game two. "You can talk about all the adjustments you want. It (winning the series) all comes down to heart and soul, it comes down to grit, and it comes down to wanting it". It would be safe to say the Americans are living by those words, something the Rockets now need to buy into.
• Let me clearly state that Mark Guggenberger is the least of the Rockets worries in this series. Guggenberger has been solid, and in no way is responsible for the teams struggles in the first two games. The majority of the struggles are at the opposite end of the ice.
• Why the struggles offensively? The Rockets are often chasing the puck, not controlling it. The Rockets are being forced to make quick decisions with the puck, but again that is nothing new from previous games against Vancouver, Spokane and Calgary.
• Who's the biggest surprise when it comes to the Americans in this series. Without hesitation it's Kruise Reddick. Reddick has been everywhere in this series. He's created offensive chances, has won key face-offs, and has demonstrated impressive speed. Mitch Fadden and Taylor Proceyshen are the straws that stir the Americans drink, but Reddick is the player that has impressed me the most after the opening two games.
• The Rockets franchise has lost the opening two games of a series and have battled back. Look no further than the 2005 playoffs, when the Rockets lost the first two games of a second round series to the Seattle Thunderbirds. Both losses were by a single goal - same as this series. The Rockets would win game three and four before losing game five. The Rockets would put the T-Birds away with wins in game six and seven.
• Man, do I ever have respect for Am's captain Taylor Proceyshen, and it has nothing to do with the two game winning goals he's scored in this series. The 20 year-old pulls no punches when speaking of his faith as a christian athlete. "I put my faith first. Everything else comes second. I don't think that changes the way I play. I play as hard as I can, I play physical, and it doesn't mean I am a soft player because I have a faith. All I know is their are bigger things than just hockey". No matter what your faith, if any at all, you have to admire this young player for standing up for what he believes in. No wonder he is the Americans team captain. It's easy to be a follower, but it's extremely tough to stick your neck out and lead.
• Don Nachbaur is considering one of the best coaches in the WHL, so wouldn't it only make sense for him to look at making a move to the pro level after guiding this team from the bottom of the barrel to the top of the heap among the elite in the Western Conference? "I think anybody that has that competitive desire always wants to move up the ladder. I think I have been patient. I enjoy this age group, and more importantly we've had success here, so if a situation arose I would surely look at it. I think at the end of the day, anyone involved in any sport wants to move up the ladder, and if that situation arises, we will look at it".

Third Period Collapse Costly!

• Was he injured or was he getting a rest? Whatever it was, Tri City Americans captain Taylor Procyshen was the hero for the second straight night after sitting on the bench for the majority of the third watching the game. The twenty year-olds power play goal, with Ian Duval in the penalty box for hooking, was part of a three goal comeback leading the Tri City Americans to a 3-2 win in game two of the Western Conference semi final series with the Kelowna Rockets'.
• The reason I was pondering if Procyshen was hurt was his lack of ice time in the third period, when traditionally your best players should be out on the ice in a bid to erase a two goal deficit. If Americans head coach Don Nachbaur was saving his captain for the dramatic finish by resting him, he is lights-out the smartest coach in the WHL.
• The loss was especially hard to take considering the Rockets' had a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes. To give up three-third period goals will not sit well with a coaching staff. It should hurt even more for the players. If it doesn't , something isn't right.
• Despite a 2-0 lead heading into the third period, I was as uncomfortable as a Hells Angel at a prayer meeting with the Rockets play. They were making two many errors defensively and no less than two of their top veteran players (we won't mention names) were again silent. For the second straight night the Rockets appeared scared to lose the game by sitting back instead of getting the crucial goal to make it 3-0, and in essence, putting the game out of reach.
• The Rockets were 31-2-0-2 when leading after 40 minutes during the regular season.
• The Rockets have now lost two straight, the first time they've lost back-to-back games since a 4-3 loss in Portland February 16th followed by a 4-3 shoot-out loss two night's later against Chilliwack.
• Mikael Backlund returned to the Rockets' lineup, but provided little spark. Backlund spent the majority of the game playing with Jamie Benn.
• Americans forward Jason Reese sat out game two with a leg injury. Despite failing to have one of their top point getter's from the regular season, the Americans appeared to be more determined than ever to play hard without one of their difference makers.
• The Americans are clearly playing a harder, smarter game than the Rockets in the opening two games. Despite the 2-0 lead, it was the Americans, not the Rockets, who were generating the more dangerous offensive chances.
• The Americans were guilty of giving up way more odd man rushes in game two, yet the Rockets were often times unable to convert. Cody Almond's goal to make it 2-0 was the one time that the visitors made the home team pay for a defensive blunder.
• Game two didn't have the raw emotion that we saw in game one. Their was very little pushing and shoving after the play, and the trash talking wasn't what he expected against two teams that looked like they wanted to poke each others eyes out in game one.
• The Rockets have now lost 8 straight games in Tri City dating back to February 25, 2006. The Rockets were a 4-3 winner on that night.
• Shane McColgan's season has come to an end with his midget team in California. McColgan is expected to join the Rockets early next week for the remainder of the season. The question is, do you insert him in the lineup?

Video Blogging Before Game 2

Late Power Play Goal Gives Americans 1-0 Series Lead

• I have mixed feelings about the game one loss. On one hand I thought the Rockets top players could have played better, yet to lose by a single goal without Almond, Benn or Long generating much in the way of offense has me believing good things await the Rockets in game two. That said, it won't come automatically, not against a team like Tri City. But better execution and better use of line mates can only translate into quality offensive chances.
• The Rockets best line in game one was Ryley Grantham, Mitchell Callahan and Evan Bloodoff. I thought that line was consistently strong. They too had shortcomings, but were the best trio the Rockets were able to ice.
• No excuses, but the Rockets looked like a team shaking off rink rust after an 8 day layoff. You can practice all you want, but game action is a totally different animal. Against a marginal team, they would have likely gotten away with the blunders they committed, but the Americans are just too good not to capitalize on your errors.
• In what's expected to be a long playoff series, it's how you bounce back from a loss that shows the true colours of whether you have the mental makeup to be a championship team. After winning 12 in a row, the bad taste in their mouths should resemble that of an all night bender. Only another win can take the bad taste away.
• The Rockets 12 game winning streak came to an end Friday night. Prior to last night's setback, the Rockets last loss was in Red Deer (3-2) on February 27th.
• Does any team, other than the Americans, do a better job of deflecting pucks that are coming towards the net? Everything from the point is tipped, redirected or deflected. It was Guggenberger's big body and excellent positioning that often made tough saves look easy.
• Coach Ryan Huska calls a well timed 'time out' when his team is down 3-1 and what happens? The Rockets score two quick goals to make it a 3-3 tie. Huska makes some awfully good decisions, the timeout being one of them.
• Give the Americans credit for out-shooting the Rockets 18-5 in the final frame. The Rockets best period over the last two months has been the third, yet the score-clock would prove otherwise in game one. After generating 12 shots in the first period, the Rockets had just 14 over the final 40 minutes.
• Mark Guggenberger would likely want two of the four goals back if he could. Jarrett Toll's goal on a backhand that beat the Rockets goaltender short side could have been preventable, and Procyshen's game winner also got past Guggenberger on the short side. But the save of the game had to be on Kruise Reddick in the third period, when he had a sure goal taken away from a clear cut, in tight chance, on a great feed from behind the Rockets net. That save and a quick right pad save off of Johnny Lazo in the final frame were two beauty's.
• Was Tyler Myers hit on Mitch Fadden late in the third period a penalty? Sure it was. The way I saw it, the hit was a bigger player making contact on a smaller man, and the bigger body won out. My view is Myers has to make the decision not to take advantage of a player who is in a vulnerable position when the two are battling for the puck. That said, how he can make that split second decision in the heat of the battle in a 3-3 game is beyond me. Was it worthy of a penalty? Sure. But lets remember that if a similar incident happens against the Americans in this series, lets be mindful of what happened in game one shall we.
• It didn't look good as Americans overage forward Jason Reese was helped off the ice after suffering an apparent left ankle or thigh injury in the third period. Reese went to grab the area by laying on his back, but on the urging of athletic therapist Kevin Heise, was persuaded into staying on all fours before being helped off the ice. The injury happened after getting entangled with Rockets forward Colin Long.
• You have to love the American sports fan. Friday night's crowd of 37 hundred at the Toyota Center were as loud and rowdy as any sell-out at Prospera Place. While the crowd gets involved by yelling at the officials and the other team, the sound system keeps the tempo high if the game should deteriorate on the ice. That wasn't the case in game one, as the two teams provided great entertainment. The crowd deserves credit for backing their team, the exception being some knucklehead who took his 50-50 ticket, ripped it into a thousand pieces, and threw it on the head of Rockets head coach Ryan Huska.
• Olaf Kolzig took in last night's game. The NHL goaltender is part of an ownership group with the Tri City Americans. We were introduced to him during the morning skate. Kolzig told us he will also take in both games in Kelowna next week.

Video From Kennewick

This is a work in progress. My hope is for these videos to be longer, but for now, a quick hitter.

The Calm Before The Storm

Curt Gogol, Spencer Main and Aaron Borejko have a laugh with assistant coach Ryan Cuthbert at the pre-game skate this morning at the Toyota Center.

Mikael Backlund also took a stroll around the ice this morning.

Adam Brown put on the gear for the optional skate.

Proudly hangs the banner of the Tri City Americans regular season championship banner from last season. Beside it, Brian Sakic's retired #8 and Todd Klassen's retired #14. Klassen was tragically killed in an accident.

The Toyota Center has received an upgrade in the press box. Here is a pic of my broadcast location for games one and two.

Kelowna Daily Courier sports reporter Doyle Potenteau also gets preferred seating up in the broadcast booth. The fact that his name is misspelled is nothing new. I do it all the time myself. Why doesn't he just change his name to Smith?

Game Notes vs. Americans

Tonight’s Preview: The Kelowna Rockets and Tri City Americans are meeting in game one of a seven game Western Conference Semi Final Series. Game two is tomorrow night with games three and four back in Kelowna next Tuesday and Wednesday. Game five is Friday in Kennewick. These two teams met four times over the regular season, with the Rockets earning two wins in the four games. The Americans out-scored the Rockets 12-9. These two teams met three times prior to the trade deadline, with a single meeting following the deadline on January 14^th, in a 3-2 Rockets win. The Rockets enter tonight’s game riding a twelve game winning streak (8 in regular season – 4 in playoffs). These two teams are meeting for the first time in the playoffs since a 6 game second round playoff series in 2004. In that series the road team won the first four games before the Rockets captured game five on home with a 7-2 win. Of the six games played in that series, four were decided by a single goal. Three of the first four games went into overtime.

Digging Deeper: In the four game seasonal series, the home team won every game. The Americans out-shot the Rockets 110-109 in the four games. The Rockets were 2 for 14 on the power play (14.3%) in the four game set while the Americans were 1 for 22 (5%). The Rockets did not allow a power play goal in three of the four games.

Seasonal Series Scoring:

1 2 3 Total

Rockets: 0 2 7 9

Americans: 6 3 3 12

What Happened In Round One: The Rockets eliminated the Kamloops Blazers in four straight games in the opening round. Overall the Rockets out-scored the Blazers 17-8 in the four games. Jamie Benn led the Rockets with ten points in the series (3+7=10), while Cody Almond, Tyson Barrie, and Tyler Myers each had five points apiece. Mark Guggenberger started in all four games, going 4-0-0-0, with a goals against average of 1.91.

Benn+Long=Points in Playoffs: Jamie Benn has 21 career playoff points in just 11 games. Benn has 6+15=21. What’s most impressive is Benn has a point in every playoff game he’s been involved in. Benn is riding an 11 game point streak in the playoffs dating back to last season. Colin Long has 16 playoff points in his career (3+13=16). Long has playoff points in 9 of his last 11 games.

In Case You Are Wondering: Last season the Rockets were involved in an opening round playoff series with Seattle. The Rockets won the first two games in Seattle before losing 3-2 in overtime in game three back in Kelowna. In fact the road team won the first four games of the series before the home team won the final three games. The Rockets lost in seven games to the T-Birds, four games to three.

Playoff Experience: Overage forward Ian Duval leads the Rockets in playoff experience with 46 games under his belt. Duval was part of a Calgary Hitmen team that went all the way to the Eastern Conference final last season before losing out in four straight games to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The Season That Was: The Rockets finished in third place in the Western Conference, three points up on the fourth place Spokane Chiefs and three behind the second place Tri City Americans. The Rockets scored the second most goals in the Western Conference this season and the 5^th most overall. Defensively, the Rockets allowed the third fewest goals against in the Western Conference behind only Vancouver and Spokane. The Rockets won the 4^th most home games in the WHL (28). Only Calgary (32), Vancouver – Tri City (30) had more home ice wins. The Rockets had the 4^th best penalty killing unit in the league and the 5^th best power play.

That’s A Fact Jack: The Rockets have not been past the second round of the playoffs since 2005, the year they won a league title....Rockets forward Lucas Bloodoff was originally selected in the WHL Bantam Draft by the Tri City Americans. Bloodoff was a 6^th round pick in 2004. Bloodoff never played a game with the Americans before his rights were traded to Kelowna for a 3^rd round selection….The name Curt Gogol will mean something to Americans head coach Don Nachbaur. Nachbaur played junior hockey with Curt Gogol’s father Brent when the two were teammates with the Billings Bighorns in the late 70’s. Gogol is a first year forward/defenseman with the Rockets….Kelowna Rockets forward Colin Long was named the WHL Player of the Month for March. Long had 14 points in the final 7 games of the regular season to capture the award….Cody Almond officially signed an NHL contract with the Minnesota Wild this week. Almond is now the third Rockets player to sign an NHL deal, yet remains in junior hockey. Mikael Backlund (Calgary) and Jamie Benn (Dallas) are also on that list….Tyler Mosienko is the Rockets franchise leader in playoff games played (81) and points (57)….Cam Paddock is the franchise leader in playoff goals with 22….Rockets forward Colin Long has led the Rockets in scoring in back-to-back seasons. It marks just the second time in franchise history a player has earned the team scoring title. Allan Egeland led the Tacoma Rockets with 113 points in 1992-93 and then put up 76 points in the 1993-94 season. Long led the team in points with 100 last season and managed 91 points this year….Colin Long had 191 points over his last two seasons. Only Jason Deleurme has registered more points in back-to-back seasons, collecting 194 points from 1996-1998.

WHL Referee's For Game 1

Derek Herman and Graham Skilliter are the two referee's for game one.

Things That Make Me Go Hmm...

• Rockets forward Lucas Bloodoff was originally selected by the Tri City Americans in the 6th round of the 2004 WHL Bantam Draft. Bloodoff never reported, and was eventually sent to the Rockets for a 3rd round pick.
• Tri City Americans forward Mitch Fadden celebrates his 21st birthday on Friday. Fadden is the third oldest player in this series. Americans forward Jason Reese turned 21 on January 28th while Rockets defenseman Tysen Dowzak turned 21 on March 8th.
• Do the Americans not have three of the best 20 year-old forwards in the league? Fadden, Reese and Taylor Procyshen are a solid group. All three were 30+ goal scorers this season and combined for 104 goals, or 40 percent of the Americans goal production.
• It's interesting to note that three of the four games between these two teams during the regular season were before the WHL trade deadline.
• The Rockets are 19-0 against playoff teams (15-0 during the regular season) since the trade deadline.
• When these two teams met in the second round in 2004, the visiting team won the first four games. Of those first four games, three went into overtime. Will the trend continue?
• Americans head coach Don Nachbaur doesn't often smile on the bench (what coach does), but he may have a grin on his face when he watched Rockets forward Curt Gogol in this series. Nachbaur is a former teammate of Gogol's father Brent, when the two played for the Billings Bighorns in the late 70's.
• Rockets assistant coach Jeff Finley has something in common with the Americans bench boss. Both are alumnus of the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers. Nachbaur played 65 games over five seasons with the Flyers while Finley played 55 games with Philly in 1994-95. The two are also alumnus of the AHL's Hershey Bears and Springfield Indians.
• Did you know that Nachbaur was a teammate of former Rockets head coach Marc Habscheid? It was a brief stint that saw Nachbaur dress for four games in the 1982-83 season with the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers had a young guy named Wayne Gretzky, who was 21 at the time. Habscheid was just 19, while Nachbaur was 23.
• The loss by the Saskatoon Blades last night also resulted in the end of the junior career of Colin Joe. Joe was a was a third round pick of the Rockets in 2003, and played 248 games in a Rockets uniform.
• Congrats to Chris Ray.The former Rockets captain is engaged. Ray and his new bride-to-be will tie the knot next summer.

Getting The Itch To Get Going!

• Ok, I'm as antsy as the players to get this series underway. After a layoff of 7 days, it's time to hit the ice for round two between the Rockets and Americans. When the puck officially drops Friday night, the Rockets will have had a layoff of 9 days. It feels like the Christmas break where the team had a ten day break between games.
• Mikael Backlund skated with the team today. Does Gregg Drinnan dare to repeat those words on his blog? If you haven't heard, someone has expressed concern that he mentions Backlund far too often on his blog. How does Drinnan handle the criticism? He goes the route I would take. Mention him to nauseum. I love it. If I was putting money on it, Backlund will play in this series, but game one looks doubtful.
• Who has the best playoff beard? Brandon McMillan has the early lead in his attempt to look like Grizzly Adams. In early voting, defenseman Tysen Dowzak is a strong second. My goal over the next few days is to provide this blog with pictures of the two front runners and post them once we arrive in Kennewick.
• Mark Guggenberger won't says it, but he has to be chuckling inside following the Swift Current Broncos elimination from the WHL playoffs. Guggenberger was traded by the Broncos in a belief that overage goaltender Travis Yonkman was the better choice. Guggenberger doesn't shy away from admitting he is pleased to be playing with the Rockets, and being handed the reins as the teams #1 goaltender.
• How popular is Mark Guggenberger in Kelowna? A local restaurant called the Grateful Fed had a special last week called the...wait for it....the Gugg-en-berger. What is the Guggenberger? It is a turkey burger with cranberry mayo.
• I can hear it from here. Annie Fowler is the beat writer for the Tri City Herald and can be heard clearly from my broadcast location at the Toyota Center while she's banging out a story. The reason? Nails baby. Long finger nails. She is a pleasure to talk too and always has a smile on her face. The Americans are lucky to have someone so upbeat, covering their every move.