Truitt Back In WHL

The Moose Jaw Warriors have confirmed that Jeff Truitt has been named Director of Hockey Operations for the Western Hockey League team.
The former Kelowna Rockets coach spent this past season at the helm of the Springfield Falcons of the AHL before being relieved of his duties.
Truitt was an assistant coach with the Rockets that won a Memorial Cup in 2004 and guided the team to a WHL championship in 2005 as a head coach.

Here is the article from the Moose Jaw Herald:

Jeff Truitt has been to the Memorial Cup three times. Now he wants to guide the Moose Jaw Warriors to their first. Truitt, 44, will be introduced as the Warriors new Director of Hockey Operations Monday morning at the Civic Centre. “Coming back to the Western Hockey League is very exciting because I’ve been in the league a number of years,” said Truitt. “Coming back to western Canada is huge for myself and our family. Coming to Moose Jaw — I was born here and have relatives here — so I have ties to Moose Jaw. “The opportunity arose and I think it’s an exciting team with a tremendous amount of upside and obviously I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
Truitt will take over the operation of the hockey team from general manager Chad Lang who was fired Friday.
“He came highly recommended,” said Warriors president/governor Darin Chow. “He’s been there. He’s been to the Memorial Cup. He has a Moose Jaw background. We felt he was a person that — not withstanding that in our mind the organization has gotten to a new level — he’s the guy to take us to the next level again.” Truitt spent seven seasons with Kelowna Rockets — four as an assistant coach and three as the head coach. He won his second WHL championship with the Rockets in his first full season as a head coach. Truitt then moved on to the Edmonton Oilers organization with their American Hockey League affiliate in Springfield for the past two seasons.

McMillan/Myers-Team Canada

Kelowna Rockets defenceman Tyler Myers and forward/defenceman Brandon McMillan have been invited to attend the Canadian World Junior Teams development Camp in early August in Saskatoon. McMillan's invite is especially impressive considering he played the majority of the season as a defenceman, yet Team Canada has him slotted in as a forward.
Adam Brown attended a Team Canada evaluation camp for goaltenders only earlier this week.
Congratulations to all three players.

A Look Back And A Look Ahead

• I've had a few days to sit back and reflect on the season that was for the Kelowna Rockets. What an amazing season for a team that technically finished as the 6th seed in the WHL's overall standings, yet managed wins over heavyweights Tri City, Vancouver and Calgary to win the league title. Being the 6th seed and winning a league title only makes you question the merits of pushing a team to the limit in order to capture a regular season title. Is it worth pushing your team to be declared regular season champions, or is managing a team and getting on a roll late in the season (ie: after Christmas) put you in a better position to have success when it really counts, the playoffs? In three years time you will be hard pressed when asked who won the regular season title in 2008-2009, but you will likely have an easier time of answering who the league champions were that season.
• After the Rockets successes after the trade deadline, what does that say about the trade deadline and how you can significantly upgrade a team for a long push in the playoffs? While the Rockets had a strong team prior to the deadline, four moves made by the hockey team (Backlund, Duval, Grantham, Guggenberger) put them in elite company. The last time the Rockets made a significant plunge at the trade deadline to make noise in the playoffs was in 2001-2002 when Nick Marach and Shane Bendera were picked up to bolster a lineup that also included Chuck Kobasew, who left Boston College that summer to play his 19 year-old season with the Rockets.
• I don't think the coaching staff get the credit they deserve for molding this team once those four players were acquired at the deadline. Four new individuals in your dressing room can often times upset the apple cart, yet all four only added, not subtracted from the teams overall goal of winning a league title.
• I find it interesting that all three of the Rockets league championships have been won by three different coaches. Marc Habscheid (2003), Jeff Truitt (2005) and Ryan Huska (2009) were at the helm. Two of the three moved on to the pro ranks. How much longer does coach Huska stick around before diving into the pro game?
• While the Rockets lose close to 8 players from this years team, what's to suggest that others can't pull up the slack and have career seasons? We see it every season. Players who had a secondary role on the team this season will be put into key positions and will prosper. Why can't Kyle St. Denis have a 30 goal season next year? Lucas Bloodoff has to be captain material in his 20 year-old season unless he signs with a pro team. How can Tyson Barrie not have a productive offensive season on the blue line. How about Mitchell Callahan? Twenty fight majors and 14 goals as a 17 year-old is awfully impressive. Can that same number of fighting major be pulled back with the offensive totals taking a jump forward? Absolutely. He may be just 16, but does Shane McColgan not make a significant impact in his rookie season? Could he score 25 goals, much like Justin Keller did as a 17 year-old? Tell him he can't, and then watch this kid prosper.
• What can't be lost in the appearance at the Memorial Cup is the benefit it was for the Rockets younger players. Those 18 and younger can only use it as a positive experience looking forward. Adam Brown, Kyle Verdino and Curt Gogol saw limited ice time, but just seeing and experiencing what it takes to play at that elite level should have a lasting impact.

It's Good To Be Home

He's one of the most popular players on the Rockets since he was acquired at the trade deadline. Mark Guggenberger received many words of encouragement when he met fans at Prospera Place this afternoon. I was asked many times about how 'Gugg' was doing after Sunday's loss, and I told them to chat with him directly and offer words of encouragement. Guggenberger was one of the main reasons why the Rockets will have a WHL championship banner raised to the rafters next season.

The Rockets received a hero's welcome once they arrived back in Kelowna this afternoon after a long day of travel from Rimouski. The Rockets may have come up short in winning the Memorial Cup, but the team are winners in the eyes of it's fans. Isn't that all that really matters?

Jamie Benn signs an autograph for a young fan at Prospera Place.

It was nice to be involved as the m.c for the Rockets welcome back gathering in front of Prospera Place.

One of the many businesses on Harvey Avenue recognizing the Rockets accomplishments in 2008-2009.

The 737 jet that was chartered by the team. The Rockets left Rimouski at 11:20 am local time and arrived at 4 o'clock Kelowna time this afternoon.

Tyler Myers and Cody Almond coming off the plane this afternoon at Kelowna International Airport.

Rockets players waiting to get on the bus to be transported to Prospera Place.

A pic of Jamie Benn and Colin Long at 32 thousand feet.

Tough Ending To A Great Season

• The Kelowna Rockets season came to an end 247 days after it started. The Windsor Spitfires scored three times on the first three shots they took, in a 4-1 win Sunday afternoon at the 2009 Memorial Cup. The Spitfires are Memorial Cup champions for the first time in franchise history.
• Ryan Huska is now 4 and 1 in Memorial Cup finals. The Rockets head coach was 4 and 0 as a player/ assistant coach before Sunday's setback.
• It's easy to look at Mark Guggenberger and use him as the reason the Rockets fell victim to the Spitifires. Guggenberger allowed three goals on three shots before being yanked, but the Rockets still had 53 minutes to get back in the game.
• As one observer told me, it was a 1-1 tie for the final 53 minutes of the game.
• The bright spot in a tough effort was the play of back up goaltender Adam Brown. Brown made 24 of 25 saves in a relief appearance after coming into the game for Mark Guggenberger. Brown, who hadn't played since mid March, made several big saves to give his team a chance to get back in the game.
• I thought Colin Long's goal 8 seconds into the second period would have given the Rockets the lift they needed, but on this night it was tough to create quality offensive chances.
• The game saw the junior careers of no less than nine Rockets. Ian Duval, Ryley Grantham and Tysen Dowzak graduate from the league while Mikeal Backlund, Jamie Benn, Colin Long, Cody Almond, Tyler Myers are expected to move on to the pro level.
• How banged up were the Rockets? Head coach Ryan Huska told us on the post game show that forward Lucas Bloodoff underwent knee surgery before the start of the playoffs. Huska said defenceman Collin Bowman was playing with a second degree separation of his shoulder while goaltender Mark Guggenberger had played the last two months with a pulled groin.
• It was good to see Kyle Verdino see his first action of the tournament late in the third period of the championship game. Verdino dressed for every game, but saw little action throughout the tournament as Myers, Barrie, McMillan, Bowman and Dowzak ate up most of the minutes.
• I will admit I was a little turned off by the reaction of the crowd at the Colisee over the booing every time the Rockets touched the puck. The booing was the result of the fans belief that the Rockets threw Tuesday's game against the Spitfires when they had a chance to eliminate them from the tournament. Essentially it looked like the fans are blaming the Rockets for the demise of both Rimouski and Drummondville. Windsor would beat Rimouski in the tie breaker before eliminating Drummondville in the semi finals. To say the Rockets threw the game is laughable.
• Despite Sunday's loss, it's hard to take a negative look at the 2008-2009 season. The playoff run this team had this season could only challenge the playoff run of 2005, when the Rockets won the WHL title.
• Was this referee Chris Savage's final game in junior hockey? I hope not. Savage received the honour of refereeing Sunday's final. Savage also called the final at the 2004 Memorial Cup in Kelowna. Savage is a good bet to referee at the upcoming Winter Olympics.
• See ya back in Kelowna at around 5 o'clock Monday afternoon.

More later...

Things That Make Me Go Hmm....

• For the second straight year the Western Hockey League champion will face the Ontario Hockey League champion in the Memorial Cup final. The Kelowna Rockets face the Windsor Spitfires Sunday afternoon in the biggest game of the season for both teams. AM-1150 has the broadcast starting with the pre-game show at 1 and the play-by-play at 1:30.
• It's funny how everyone here is making a big deal about the Rockets four day layoff after completing the round robin on Tuesday. If you look back to the playoffs, the Rockets were off for a full five days before facing Vancouver in game one of the Western Conference final. The Rockets won that game 4-2 in Vancouver.
• The Rockets had a brisk workout Saturday in preparation for Sunday's game. You won't often see hard hits in practice, but that was the case at the Colisee this morning. The best hit came when defenceman Aaron Borejko sent big forward Ryley Grantham to the ice with a hit along the end boards.
• Gord McGarva and I attended the CHL awards banquet this afternoon. The most impressive speech may have come from Saskatoon Blades defenceman Stefan Elliott, who ended his speech by speaking for a significant amount of time, in french. Elliott is the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year.
• It was nice to see Prince George Cougar forward Brett Connolly recognized for his season. Thirty goals for a 16 year-old ain't bad. Only Patrick Marleau scored more goals as a 16 year-old when he managed to fill the net 32 times with the Seattle Thunderbirds. Let's hope the Cougars can continue to find talent like Connolly in their own backyard. Having a Prince George kid wearing a Cougars uniform and making an impact is never a bad thing.
• Jon Blum got a chuckle from the crowd in his acceptance speech when he was named the CHL's Top Defenceman. Blum thanked his parents for finding ice for him to play on considering it was often hard to come by, considering he grew up in California.
• John Tavares was named the CHL Player of the Year. One reporter asked him in a post awards banquet scrum if he would trade away the award for a chance to play at the Memorial Cup. His answer came quickly when he responded by saying, "Absolutely."
• The most impressive aspect of the 2009 Memorial Cup has been the shuttle service. Thirty-three cars have been used to move media/scouts and other out-of-town visitors across the city. Why is this so impressive? You don't have to wait for a driver. You ask for a ride and someone is there in a flash to drive you to your destination. It's been a well oiled machine.
• Rimouski is not exempt from rising gas prices. After sitting at a reasonable 97.4 cents a litre when we arrived last Wednesday, the gas shot up to 107.4 cents a litre yesterday. I was told gas took a similar jump in Kelowna earlier this week.

Faces At The Memorial Cup

Chris Savage...you are loved!!

This is a pic of the arena host, who mingled with the crowd over the 10 days tournament. I couldn't understand a thing she said, but man did she have energy.

Brandon Wheat Kings fans are pumped that the 2010 Memorial Cup is coming out West.

Do I need to explain this jersey?

F.Y.I

Listen to Sportstalk on AM-1150 tonight at 10 pm as Gord and I chat with Rick Quinton about Sunday's Memorial Cup final.

'O' And 'Dub' Get It On In Memorial Cup Final

• The best from the Western Hockey League will meet the beast from the East, the Ontario Hockey League champions, in the Memorial Cup final. Adam Henrique scored at the 4:31 mark of overtime leading the Windsor Spitfires to a 3-2 victory over the Drummondville Voltigeurs. So it's the Kelowna Rockets and Windsor Spitfires in Sunday's final (AM-1150 pre-game show at 1 - play-by-play at 1:30).
• A good start by both teams as the first whistle doesn't come until 4 and a half minutes into the opening period. Two quick goals just over two minutes apart from Taylor Hall and Ben Shutron had the Ontario Hockey League champions heading to the dressing room with a 2-0 lead.
• My favourite Voltigeur scored early in the second period to make it a one goal game. Samson Mahbod snapped a low shot past Spitfires goaltender Andrew Engelage to make it a hockey game. Had the Spitfires scored the next goal to make it 3-0, it would have been lights out for the 'Q' champs.
• Why is Mahbod my favourite Voltigeur? On the second day we arrived in Rimouski I made small talk with him as we were sitting in the stands. He was a great help as I asked him how to pronounce the Oceanic players names before game one between Rimouski and Kelowna.
• Taylor Hall is a smart player. After shooting the puck after the whistle, Hall gets a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. When Drummondville defenceman Dmitry Kulikov takes exception to the late shot and touches Hall, the 17 year-old goes down like Kulikov has the strength of Hercules.
• You won't often see a delay of game penalty as a result of a player shooting the puck from his defensive zone over the glass at the other end of the rink. Spitfires defenceman Mark Cundari did just that in the second period by firing the puck down the ice from inside his own blue line with such velocity that it went over the glass behind Voltigeurs goaltender Marc Cousineau. Ok, now I officially hate the rule. To say Cundari was attempting to fire the puck over the glass by drilling it to the other end is laughable.
• The save of the Memorial Cup came in overtime when Drummondville goaltender Marco Cousineau slides across to get his left leg down on Spitfires forward Greg Nemisz, robbing him of a sure goal. That was one of many reasons why Cousineau was named the first star.
• You have to enjoy Voltigeurs head coach Guy Boucher's spunk. Often animated behind the bench, he likes to often joke with the media at news conferences, win or lose.
• The Kelowna Rockets are almost the unforgotten team in this tournament. They haven't taken to the ice for a game in four days now. If you just landed here in Rimouski from outer space, you'd swear this was a three team tournament.
• One stat the Western Hockey League has to look at is adding shots by an individual player on the game sheet. The QMJHL provides that statistic for every game that is played. It's an interesting stat to see who was trigger happy at the end of the night.
• What's with the Quebec referee calling a penalty late in the game in a 2-2 tie? Jean Hebert makes the call against Drummondville, then misses an infraction nearby when a Voltigeur is pulled down. I hate when the referee goes out of his way to look for fouls against the league he represents in an effort to look impartial.
• Three fans from Brandon, Manitoba made it down to the Memorial Cup. All three had their shirts off, were painted with yellow from the neck to their waist and were chanting 'Go Wheat Kings Go'. The three likely had their shirts off because they felt like it was a summer day back in Manitoba. Today's temperature in Rimouski was +14.
• Even the referee's have their fans. Four guys dressed up as referee's with flashing goal lights made their presence known Friday night at the Colisee. They were shown on the score clock chanting 'Go Ref's Go".
• My understanding is the Rockets will leave Rimouski Monday morning at 11:20 local time. That means we should fly in to Kelowna International Airport at around 4:30 Monday afternoon BC time.

Rimouski Says Au Revoire

• Another good hockey game Thursday night at the Colisee as both teams were in desperation mode with their seasons on the line. Dale Mitchell was the story scoring three times as Windsor came back from a 4-2 third period deficit, earning a 6-4 win. The Spitfires used another gear in the third while the Oceanic appeared to tire and fell into penalty trouble. That means the Spitfires advance against Drummondville tomorrow in the semi finals while Rimouski's season is over. The winner of Drummondville and Windsor will meet Kelowna in Sunday's final.
• The Rimouski team was fun to watch in the four games they played. I questioned their skill level in the opener, but looking back now, they hadn't played a game in three weeks when they faced the Rockets. They would give any Western Hockey League coach a heart attack, but man can they create offense.
• The best goaltender in the tournament? While I like to pump the tires of Mark Guggenberger, Oceanic netminder Maxim Gougeon appeared to be the most consistent. I didn't like the second goal he gave up Thursday night as the puck hit his glove and then went in, but the smallest goaltender in the tournament was standing tall between the pipes.
• Vancouver Canucks foward Kyle Wellwood would be watching the Memorial Cup with interest. His younger brother Eric plays for the Spitfires. Eric Wellwood is always in the play and provides Windsor with some good energy.
• The Oceanic's mascot 'Louky' is a smart dresser. Even when the Oceanic were wearing their away jersey's in Thursday game, 'Louky' also changed his jersey to match the team.
• If their is one thing I've noticed in Rimouski, it's a lack of pickup trucks. I've seen one, a black Dodge 1500. That's it. Being the owner of a Dodge 1500 myself and being from Southwest Saskatchewan, pickup trucks are common place. Not here.
• I understand Kyle Verdino's mom and dad have traveled up from Phoenix to support their son. Unfortunately with TV timeouts as part of the mix, Verdino hasn't seen the ice surface. The TV timeouts work in the Rockets favor, as it allows the top four d-men ample time to get a rest between whistles. Three TV timeouts a period translates into 4 and a half minutes of rest time.
• Had it not been for a career change in the fall of 2002, Rockets head coach Ryan Huska wouldn't be here at the Memorial Cup. Huska was attempting to get certified as a financial advisor when he elected to join Marc Habscheid's coaching staff as an assistant. A few years later he is guiding the Rockets to a Memorial Cup birth. Just think of it. Today Huska could be back in Kelowna looking over data dealing with mutual funds. Instead he's attempting to 'cash in' with a team that is one win away from the ultimate prize.
• It was the best day, weather wise, we've had in Rimouski. On Thursday the sun was shining, the wind was down and the drive to the Colisee was beautiful. Let's hope the weather holds for the remaining three days.
• We've been in Rimouski for nine days now. We arrived last Wednesday and it feels like it's been three weeks. Don't get me wrong the experience has been great, but the small confines of the hotel room gets old. Why am I spending a significant amount of time in my room? I am doing more than just calling games here. I am sending local stories pertaining to the Memorial Cup back to our newsroom at AM-1150. My hotel room is used as my audio studio during the tournament.

Come Inside the Colisee in Rimouski

Rimouski in Pictures

Mark Guggenberger attempting to read a french newspaper in the hotel lobby.

My MVP of the Memorial Cup is this man right here. Donald Lafresnaye is a computer technician and handles all computer problems that members of the media may have at the tournament. I had a problem on day one and Donald worked on my computer to get it back in working condition. Thanks Donald. Without his work, this blog would have been awfully quiet. It's people like Lafresnaye that make everything run so smoothly here.

This is what you call a media scrum. It's when members of the media, newspaper,TV/radio get together and interview the players after the game. If you read the Kelowna Daily Courier you will notice Doyle Potenteau in the middle of the scrum. Does he always smile when he interviews someone? No. He knew I was taking the picture.

I've gotten to know this gentleman very well this week. Cory Flett is the Director of Communications for the WHL. Flett has been a helping hand to Rockets VP of Business Development Gavin Hamilton this week.

This tune they play in the Colisee reminds me of the Montreal Forum.

Best Game Bar None

• What a great game Wednesday night between Rimouski and Drummondville (3-2 Voltigeurs) to end off the round robin at the 2009 Memorial Cup. These two teams went at it in a wide open affair. Talk about entertainment! Wow. If you can say one thing about the 'Q', defense comes secondary which creates scoring chances on almost every shift. I loved it. It was the best game of the tournament on entertainment alone. No wonder the people of Quebec love the game. When it is played with little structure, or appears to look that way, it's a great game to watch.
• What I like most about the fans here in Rimouski is how they respond to the play. Every time Drummondville iced the puck, the fans would boo. Even after Drummondville scored to make it a 1-1 game, the fans didn't let the goal damper their spirits. They made as much noise when it was scoreless and Rimouski was putting on the pressure as they did when the game was tied.
• The crowd was into this game before the puck was even dropped. The reason? It may have had something to do with Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards being apart of the pre-game ceremonies. The two NHL'ers were gracious enough to return to the Colisee where their junior careers began.
• I thought Gord McGarva said it best when describing the puck hitting the end boards at the Colisee after missing the net. "It sounds like a shot gun going off when the puck hits the boards".
• I find it interesting that the music played in the Colisee does not have to be rock and roll to get the crowd into the game. If you can clap to the music, you've accomplished the goal. Most of the music played in the building is 'clap worthy' and few spectators fail to participate.
• I will admit the use of air horns in the building is a little annoying though. I can't imagine being a season ticket holder and having the dude sitting next to me blasting his brains out (and mine) with his air horn for 36 home games.
• Everyone is still talking about the shot blocking clinic put on by Rockets forward Cody Almond Tuesday night. One QMJHL GM suggested to me it's that type of shot blocking that will get a player like that drafted. When I told him Almond was selected by Minnesota, and was already signed, he said "I can see why".
• How did the Kelowna Rockets spend the day off. They stayed away from the rink and went on a local zip line. A zip line consists of a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline. It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to traverse from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable, usually made of stainless steel, by holding on or attaching to the freely moving pulley.
• I would compare this years edition of the Kelowna Rockets much like of a thoroughbred race horse who at times doesn't like to run. It has the capability of winning races, but only on it's own terms. The jockey (the coaches) can use a riding whip to spur them on, but it's ultimately up to the horse to expend the energy necessary to reach the finish line with the opposition in its wake. The thoroughbred (Rockets) will have to run the race of it's life Sunday in order to finish the race in first place.
• Prior to the game I ran into Jeff Cristall, the chairman of the 2010 Memorial Cup in Brandon. Cristall was flanked by Brandon police services inspector Ian Grant and Wheat Kings director of marketing Rick Dillabaugh. All three are here to check out how the Memorial Cup tournament is running in Rimouski, and would look to only add to the event when it makes it's way West next season.
• Kyle St. Denis' mom and dad took in Tuesday night's game at the Colisee while celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. The couple's son did his best to treat his parents special on the day by being named the games second star.
• The 50/50 draw here in Rimouski is capped at 1 thousand dollars. No matter how many tickets are sold, the pot never changes. That's a far cry from the 19 thousand dollars that was up for grabs in the 50/50 back in the 2004 Memorial Cup final in Kelowna.
• The Oceanic mascot's name is 'Louky'. The guy wearing that suit is going to be about 50 pounds lighter once the Memorial Cup is through. I've seen energetic mascots, but this dude doesn't stop.
• 

A Day Off In Pictures From Rimouski

On a trip in downtown Rimouski we walked by a local radio station. I just had to get into the action. I can see it now "Join Pierre, Claude, Manon, Jean-Paul and Regan for laughs in the morning on 93 CFYX".

The hotel we are staying at in Rimouski.

The boardwalk outside of our hotel lobby. The Saint Lawrence River runs along the city of Rimouski. The river is 477 miles long. Amazing.

You won't find a Starbucks here. But even 'Timmy's' makes an appearance in Rimouski.

One of the several churches you'll find in downtown Rimouski.

I had to take a pic of this for former colour man David Michaud. Michaud Motors is the supplier of transportation at the Memorial Cup.

A pic of a 50/50 ticket purchased during the Memorial Cup. A maximum of 1000 bucks goes to the winner.

Are You As Confused As I Am?

• This Kelowna Rockets team has confused me all season long. When push comes to shove they find a way to win, yet when it's not a back against the wall situation this team just doesn't push themselves. It was evident Tuesday night in a 2-1 round robin loss to Windsor. The Rockets were given 4 power play chances in the second period alone, but managed just 7 shots on goal. From my vantage point it looked as though the Western Hockey League champions were content on closing out the round robin with a record of 2 and 1 and were just thrilled to be headed to Sunday's championship final.
• While Windsor should have been the more desperate team, how does it feel to be skating away with just a one goal win against a team that clearly lacked urgency in their game? If I was Windsor I'd be concerned, not celebrating the fact that I have a chance to play in a tie breaker game on Thursday.
• Cody Almond was one of few Rockets that appeared to want to win the game and head into Sunday's final with a record of 3-0. The best shift of the game came when Almond blocked four shots on a Windsor 5 on 3 power play. Almond took two shots off the glove, one off the head and another in the ribs as he got in the way of every shooting lane possible.
• Where has Mikael Backlund gone? After making his mark in the WHL playoffs with some terrific efforts, Backlund has no goals to show in the first three games of the Memorial Cup. In a match up of the Calgary Flames first round picks, Windsor forward Greg Nemisz clear outplayed Backlund. Nemisz, a first round pick of the Flames from 2008, was a threat to score while Backlund, a first round pick of the Flames in 2007, didn't even have a shot on goal. A world class player like Backlund can't be a passenger in a tournament of this magnitude.
• Who was the best Rocket? Mark Guggenberger gets my vote. Another tremendous effort by the 20 year-old goaltender who surely needs to get a serious look by some NHL team. Wouldn't you want to bring this guy in on a tryout? Guggenberger was the main reason why the Rockets lost the game by just a single goal. After allowing two 'softies' against Drummondville, Guggenberger could have easily earned the third star in Tuesday's game.
• Tyson Barrie will have little time off following the Memorial Cup. Barrie told me before the game he is off to the NHL combine following the 10 day tournament. The combine is for North American players expected to be selected in the first two round of this summers NHL draft.
• The Rockets will take the day off before preparing for Sunday's final against one of three teams. Tonight it's an all Quebec match up as host Rimouski faces Quebec champion Drummondville. One of those teams will finish the round robin at 1 and 2, meaning a date with 1 and 2 Windsor Thursday night in a tie breaker.
• Just before we left our hotel this afternoon several fire trucks, with lights flashing, surrounded the building. As it turned out an ammonia leak took place in one of the beer fridges on the 3rd floor of the hotel. The fridge in question belonged to a room housing two referee's for the tournament. I was told one of the them was taken to hospital for observation.

Tuesday Pics From Rimouski

It wasn't a well played game last night, but the score is pleasing to the eye.

Two Western Hockey League fans at the Colisee waiting for Monday night's game to begin. This picture was taken after they got into a fist fight. All joking aside, these two simply love the junior game.

Never take yourself to seriously. I don't, which may be the reason why I had the motivation of picking up this microphone from RDS, the french language version of TSN. This is as close as I will ever come to being on french TV - period!

One of the many trophy's on display at the Memorial Cup is the Ed Chynoweth Cup. This is engraved names of the winners from 2002-2003.

Patrick Roy has some of his hockey gear on display at the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame display including the mask he wore with the Montreal Canadiens.

The Memorial Cup being guarded by some of Rimouski's finest.

Equipment Manager Mel Gerrett enjoying poutine!

'Big Benn' Deafens Drummondville

• Jamie Benn said it was his best game ever, and I am not about to argue with him. Everything the 19 year-old forward touched Monday night at the Memorial Cup turned into a goal. Benn registered five shots on goal and scored four times in the Rockets 6-4 win over Drummondville. The win volts the Rockets into the Memorial Cup final for the first time since 2004.
• When Benn puts his mind to it, he is one of the best forward in the Canadian Hockey League. His breakaway speed on a shorthanded goal to open the scoring put the theory to rest that he has a hard time accelerating. If Benn smells a goal on his stick, he can definitely put it into high gear in a hurry.
• How good is Jamie Benn? Of the ten goals the Rockets have scored in the Memorial Cup, eight have been created by the Victoria BC resident. Benn has 5 goals and 3 assists in the tournament.
• Benn's 8 points in the Memorial Cup sets a new Rockets franchise record. Jesse Schultz had the previous mark with 1+4=5 in the 2003 tournament in Quebec City.
• The Rockets showed some character by battling back in this one. The Rockets moved to within a goal of Drummondville three seperate times. The Rockets were down 2-1 and tied it, 3-2 and rallied back to tie and also trailed 4-3 at one point in the third period before Benn would score a power play goal to tie the game at four.
• Benn and Cody Almond each led the Rockets with five shots apiece. Almond had two goals.
• The nicest goal of the night came on a three way passing play between Tyler Myers, Colin Long and Jamie Benn. Three quick passes and the game was tied at 3.
• I liked the hustle from captain Colin Long. He was often out muscled off the puck in the WHL playoffs, but has now regained his form at the Memorial Cup by handling the puck and not wanting to give it back.
• Brandon Wheat Kings GM Kelly McCrimmon took in Monday's game. McCrimmon and his Memorial Cup committee are gathering in Rimouski in the hopes of gathering valuable information to put on a spectacular event when the tournament is hosted in Brandon in 2010.
• The Rockets close out the round robin today (Tuesday) when they host the most desperate team at the Memorial Cup. The Rockets face winless Windsor. The Ontario Hockey League champs are a surprising 0 and 2. A loss by the Spitfires sends them packing for the summer.
• A birth in the Memorial Cup final provides Lucas and Evan Bloodoff with the luxury few brothers have been able to enjoy. It's not often two brothers, as teammates, can potentially share in a Memorial Cup victory. The last time two brothers on the same team won a national title was when Trevor and Darren Kruger captured the Memorial Cup with the Swift Current Broncos in 1989.
• Rockets defenceman Collin Bowman can also accomplish something his brother did last season in Spokane. Drayson Bowman, Collin's older brother, won the title last season with the Chiefs.

Spitfires Stumble At Memorial Cup

• I think few would have thought the Windsor Spitfires, rated as the top teams in the CHL rankings for the majority of the season, would be 0 and 2 at the Memorial Cup. The Spitfires dropped their second straight game though, losing a 5-4 decision Sunday to the host Rimouski Oceanic.
• It was the most physical of the three games we've seen so far with two fights breaking out over the course of the contest. I thought the Oceanic played with more heart and desperation after looking flat in the opening. That said, both teams haven't 'wowed' me in the first two games. Windsor is beatable if the Rockets play their game. Spitfires head coach Bob Boughner said they will have to play a flawless defensive game against Kelowna if they want to win their first game of the tournament on Tuesday. Boughner says his team has yet to play their 'A' game.
• Let's face it, a Rimouski win is only good for this tournament. A host team going 0 and 3 is never a good thing for the credibility of the championship. Also local fans stay engaged in the event for a longer period of time.
• The Rockets face Drummondville Monday. We have the game on AM-1150 starting with the pre-game show at 3:30 and the play-by-play at 4. Both the Rockets and Voltigier are undefeated after wins in their opening games. The Rockets beat Rimouski 4-1 while the Quebec champs beat Windsor 3-2 in overtime.
• Is it just me or does Spitfires goaltender Andrew Engelage remind you of former Rockets goaltender Kris Lazaruk? The pads that Engelage wears are identical to the ones Lazaruk had in his short stint with the Rockets. Plus his stance is a mirror image of the veteran goalie.
• Do Ian Duval and teammate Kyle Verdino get along? I am sure their are some friendly barbs after the suggestion that the NHL would like to see the Phoenix Coyotes move to Winnipeg if the franchise is sold to Jim Basille. Duval is from Winnipeg, the former home of the Jets while Verdino is from Phoenix, the city that stole the Jets from Duval's home province in 1996.
• No team, other than the Rockets on opening night, have been called for delay of game for shooting the puck over the glass in the defensive zone.
• I spent the third period of Sunday's game sitting with WHL referee Chris Savage. Savage told me he was born near Melfort. Now that I know Savage is a Saskatchewan boy, he can't do anything wrong in my eyes. Ok, almost anything wrong.
• NHL heavyweights taking in Sunday's game included New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello.
• Color Anaylst Gord McGarva had some company on his ride from Quebec City to Rimouski tonight. McGarva drove in with the parents of Evan and Lucas Bloodoff.

After Further Review...

• After further review, the players name I supposedly butchered is Belarus born IIya Silik. In talking with organizers of the tournament though, it is in fact pronounced Sil-ick. Unless I had some poutine in my mouth at the time, I thought I hit it correctly when he had the puck, which frankly he didn`t touch often in game one.
• For the record, many people call me Reagan (ray-gun), which is incorrect, yet I just go with the flow.
• Speaking of poutine, did you know it originated in 1950. The french delicacy is essentially french fries, gravy and cheese. I was told that you can add ground beef or sausage to it as well. While it`s not good for you, sometimes you have to live dangerously.
• I had my first look at Windsor forward Taylor Hall. This kid is the real deal. He can skate, has great hands and has a confident swagger about him. I like him. To think he is not draft eligible until 2010. Wow.
• The Rockets defenceman will have to do a better job of adjusting to the short glass along the side boards at the Colisee. The Rockets took two delay of game minor penalties for the puck over the glass. As stated previously, the side glass is two feet shorter at the Colisee than the WHL standard.
• My only technical issue at the Memorial Cup was my laptop crapping out on me. But this tournament is so organized a freelance computer expert is on hand to look into my problem. I can`t say enough about how this tournament is run. Now if I could only get a good massage, I`d be in heaven
• I was questioned earlier about this being the most enjoyable Memorial Cup of the four I`ve attended. I enjoyed Kelowna in 2004 don`t get me wrong, but I had to broadcast every game so I didn`t have a chance to experience the events outside of the arena. I will never forget the moment that Josh Gorges lifted the Memorial Cup over his head, but I didn`t leave the experience saying I enjoyed all aspects of the tournament.
• Colour analyst Gord McGarva is traveling to Rimouski as I blog. It will be a long day for McGarva, who won`t arrive here until 2 am local time. McGarva will join me on the broadcast Monday afternoon. If he miss pronounces a name or two from Drummondville or isn`t his perky self, cut him some slack.
• Scalpers here in Rimouski are sour. In speaking to them this morning, business is anything but brisk. Apparently the people here are not interested in paying full market value for the tickets, which are going for about 70 bucks a game at the ticket counter. Many scalpers are selling them for less in the hope of simply getting rid of them.
• Tyson Barrie`s father Len is the only parent I`ve seen so far at the Memorial Cup. I understand Brent Gogol, Curt Gogol`s father, will also be here. Colin Long told me yesterday his dad Steve won`t be making the trip.
• Kelowna`s own Jim Hammett is at the Memorial Cup. Hammett is the director of player personnel for the NHL`s Tampa Bay Lightning.
• During one of the TV timeouts during the game, the arena host entertains the crowd in a number of ways. One of the most entertaining bits is when the host gets a fan to sing karoke on the video screen. It`s sung in french, but it`s still pretty funny.

Mickey Renaud`s jersey behind the Windsor bench.

Chris Savage making the WHL proud.

Colin Long, Tyson Barrie and Cody Almond after a skate Thursday afternoon.

Things That Make Me Go Hmm....

• I failed to mention on an early blog entry that the police in Rimouski are extremely proactive in making sure this tournament receives the respect it deserves. Our bus ride into the city from the airport Wednesday included a police escort. At every intersection, whether the traffic light was yellow or red, two police cruisers would promptly cut into the intersection, blocking all lanes to allow our bus to go through. It was awesome to watch, and made us all feel special as an honored guest in the community.
• Chris Savage was one of the referee`s that called game two of the Memorial Cup Saturday night. Savage, the Western Hockey League representative, is at his second M.C after getting the assignment in 2004. Savage was the referee when the Rockets won the cup against Gatineau. I will have an interview with Savage on our broadcast Monday afternoon.
• I find it interesting that the french radio broadcasters calling games at the Memorial Cup are dressed in jeans. It`s a small detail, yet it looks odd to me considering all radio broadcasters in the WHL are professional dressed when calling games, whether it be regular season or the playoffs. My theory is we (radio broadcasters) are an extension of the team we cover, and should take some pride in our appearance.
  
• As I was preparing or my opening broadcast Friday night, I couldn`t help but notice the panic on the face of the Quebec City radio broadcaster. His equipment wasn`t working, yet his phone line was active. What that means is his broadcast board malfunctioned. The problem was solved by using the road radio equipment of the Rimouski Oceanic.
• I ran into Ian Duval`s old billets from Calgary before Saturday`s game. Scott and Beverly Surridge had nothing but good things to say about `Duvy`. The interview with the likable couple will be airing during Monday`s broadcast.
• I thought it was a nice touch by the Windsor Spitfires to have the jersey of Mickey Renaud hanging on the wall behind their bench at the Memorial Cup. Renaud, the Spitfires captain last season, died after a seizure in February 2008. While Renaud`s jersey was hanging prominently behind the Spitfires bench at the start of Saturday`s game, it was promptly moved to the side, as to not cover up the signage that was strategically placed for national TV coverage.
• On my shuttle to the Colisee this afternoon I had the privilege of being accompanied by former Montreal Canadiens forward Pierre Mondou. I recognized him instantly in the lobby of our hotel as his hockey card is firmly entrenched in my head. Forget about memorizing time tables as a kid, memorizing hockey cards was my goal. I told Mondou that I have his hockey card, to which he replied, ``I guess I`m old``.
• Ok, my paranoia is starting to kick in. I`ve been told that both Rimouski and Drummondville players are suffering from some form of strep throat. That would be a broadcasters worst nightmare. Ok, laryngitis would be, but they are both bad. Let`s just say I haven`t been participating in finger food in the media room, for fear the virus is looming.
• Give the organizing committee here in Rimouski a high five for playing `Rocket` by Def Leopard every time the Rockets score. The song is used extensively at Prospera Place every time the Rockets light the lamp, and the added touch shouldn`t go unnoticed.
• This is the fourth Memorial Cup I`ve attended, and unless things go sideways fast, it`s the best I`ve ever attended. No, the hotel isn`t great and it`s not exactly party central, but it`s been a lot of fun. The people of Rimouski are top drawer, and the event is running like a well oiled machine. And if it`s not, they are hiding it well behind closed doors. In the past I would question awarding this tournament to a smaller center, yet now that theory has been put to rest. This community has one thing on their mind. The Memorial Cup is it!
• I received a nice e-mail from Dallas Texas today. A Dallas Stars fan is listening to our radio broadcasts over the Internet with interest considering Jamie Benn will be playing in that organization next season. The positive feedback was nice to hear.

A Day Off In Rimouski

One of the many gas stations in downtown Rimouski. The gas isn`t that cheap here either at 97.4 cents a litre.
We used a rental car to travel to the Rockets practice facility Saturday morning.

Brandon Wheat Kings athletic therapist Rob Stouffer died this summer after a battle with cancer. Trainers across the WHL, including Rockets athletic therapist Jeff Thorburn, have a patch on their fanny pack in memory of the former colleague.
Coach Huska spends some one-on-one time with forward Ian Duval.
Mark Guggenberger looks on after Saturday`s workout. Assistant Kim Gellert has a chat with the players.
Assistant coach Kim Dillabaugh has a few words of wisdom for Guggs.
These two are converted Rockets fans. They were watching the Rockets practice this morning.
Even the Rockets chartered bus for the Memorial Cup comes with a Rockets flag.
This is where the Rockets practiced this morning. It is located in a small town about a 30 minute drive outside of Rimouski. The arena made me feel like I was transported back to Kyle Saskatchewan.
Rockets forward Jamie Benn gets some camera time after being named the first star Friday night.
Some crazy Rockets fan taking in the Memorial Cup. Reagan is a beauty. To say she`s a fan would be an understatement. Tysen Dowzak makes his way onto the bus for the 30 minute drive to the practice facility.

Rookie Shane McColgan makes his way onto the bus. What an experience for the 16 year-old, who will be looked upon to lead the Rockets to another Memorial Cup birth down the road.
Monday`s opponent. Flashy bus for the QMJHL champs.
The flash card in the broadcast location at the Colisee tells me where to set up my broadcast gear.
This is the home of the Rimouski Oceanic.
The grocery store across the street from the Colisee doesn`t hide the fact on who they are cheering for.
Inside the Colisee where you pick up your tickets.

I Need Hair Spray

• It`s another windy day in Rimouski as the Memorial Cup officially begins tonight with the Rockets facing the Oceanic. The good news is the sun is shining, but the wind makes me feel like I`m back in my hometown of Swift Current. If you want to keep your hair in place, strong hold hair spray is a requirement.
• The shuttle service here is amazing. A car is always available any time we need a ride to the arena from our hotel, which is about a 25 minute walk. The same is true when we step outside of the Colisee as a car is waiting to shuttle you back to the hotel. Renting a car isn`t needed unless you are interested in doing some touring on your own.
• The people of Rimouski are a friendly bunch. It has been nothing but a positive experience when interacting with volunteers of the event. While we have been here just three short days, we feel extremely welcome. People are bending over backwards to make sure things are going smoothly for us.
• I had a chance to set up my radio gear in preparation for tonight`s game. My sight line is at the blue-line looking directly towards the Rimouski bench. That radio location is also being shared by the Windsor broadcasters and a french broadcast crew. The Oceanic radio broadcast booth is directly across the ice.
  
• The Rockets took part in a pre-game skate in advance of tonight`s game. The boys looked sharper on the ice then they did in Thursday`s workout when the ice was chopped up. The ice conditions were less than ideal because the Rockets were the third team on the ice that day.
• Bring a coat. If you are thinking of watching any games at the Memorial Cup, a jacket is required inside the building. The on-ice crew have made sure that the temperature inside the building is cold enough so that the ice conditions won`t be compromised. It`s down right chilly in there. It feels like the old Memorial Arena in Cranbrook in December.
  
• The city of Rimouski is excited about this event. Banners, signs and Memorial Cup logo`s are all over town. Even if you are not a hockey fan you would get the general impression that this event is a big deal.
  
• In made a quick stop in one of the local super markets this morning and the language barrier is an issue. The only saving grace for me is everything is in Canadian funds, so dealing with different denominations isn`t a struggle when making a transaction. I was told about 20 percent of the population in Rimouski speak English.
• I conducted an interview with Sportsnets Peter Loubardias for an intermission during tonight's game. Loubardias is one of my favourites and I could talk shop with him for hours. He`s a real pro, yet isn`t afraid to let down his guard and get real with you. He`s a quality guy!
• Richard Doerksen, the VP of Hockey for the WHL will be my second intermission guest tonight. Doerksen is appearing in his 30th Memorial Cup. The only one he`s missed was in 1985 with the birth of his son.
• The low glass at the Colisee could be an factor. The side glass is 2 feet lower than at Prospera Place, and the end glass is also shorter than what is a requirement in the WHL. So the Rockets defenceman will have to be extra careful when clearing the puck off the glass into the neutral zone.

Two Day In Pictures

The front doors at the Colisee feature four great Rimouski Oceanic alumni over the years. Some guy named Crosby is also features on one of the doors.
English translation=Exit
Windsor head coach Bob Boughner at Thursday afternoon`s coaches press conference.
Coach Huska will try to make CHL history by winning his 5th Memorial Cup ring.
Colin Long, Tyson Barrie and Cody Almond pose following a team photo session following Thursday`s workout.
Rookie Aaron Borejko plays goal and attempts to stop Kyle St. Denis once practice was over.
Cody Almond gets some press coverage.
A shot from high above the ice as the Rockets practice below. The majority of the print media will be houses up here.
Mikael Backlund chills out during practice.
Mark Guggenberger gets in a workout Thursday at the Colisee.Granny takes in some H20.
Ian Duval chooses Gatorade to quench his thirst. This local photographer needs a bigger lens.

Photos From Rimouski

Talk about being close to the crowd. This is a photo of the fans accessibility behind the bench at the Colisee. That`s right, the fans can walk right behind you and can give you an ear full..
A pic of the ice surface of the Colisee.
This is a good indication that the Rockets enter the arena from this door.
Landing just outside of Rimouski.
A shot from the air before landing.
This is the charter we took from the Kelowna International Airport. It is a carrier based out of Whitehorse.
Rockets players say goodbye to the fans at Prospera Place Wednesday morning before busing to the airport.
A fan signs a banner sending her good wishes to the team.
Fans gather outside Prospera Place to send off the team.No lack of luggage for this trip. The players bags are stacked outside the Rockets dressing room
Phil Johnson and the AM-1150 morning show was on location Wednesday morning to send off the boys.

What You Need To Know About Host Team

• The Rimouski Oceanic are the host team of the 2009 Memorial Cup. The city of Rimouski was granted a franchise for the start of the 1995-96 season.
• Rimouski last won a Memorial Cup in 2000. Rimouski beat Barrie 6-2 in the finals that season. The Kootenay Ice (0-3) were the Western Hockey League representatives that season.
• Rimouski has produced three specal players to the NHL. Sydney Crosby, Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards all wore Oceanic colours. Richards was the captain of the team that won the Memorial Cup in 2000 while Crosby was part of the QMJHL champions from 2005.
• The Oceanic had the 6th best record in the 'Q' during the regular season. The host team had a record of 44-23-1-0.
• Rimouski made it to the final four of the QMJHL playoffs before being eliminated by Drummondville in four games in the semi finals.
• Eight players on the Oceanic are drafted by an NHL team. By comparison the Rockets have 7 players drafted by an NHL team.
• The Oceanic play out of a building that is 43 years-old. A reno to the building (1966) took place after the team was granted the 2009 Memorial Cup.

What You Need To Know About OHL Champs

• The Windsor Spitfires are the Ontario Hockey League champions. The Spitfires were 57-10-0-1 during the regular season, good for a 115 point season, tops in the 'O'.
• The Spitfires were the only OHL team to score over 300 goals this season. The Spitfires scored 311 times. Does the number 311 mean anything to you? It was the exact number of goals the Rockets scored during the regular season when they represented the WHL at the Memorial Cup in Quebec City in 2003.
• Windsor was 16 and 4 in the playoffs. They beat Brampton in 5 game to win the league title.
• It was the Spitfires second OHL title in franchise history and first in 21 seasons.
• The Spitfires top scorer in the playoffs was Taylor Hall. Hall, a 17 year-old forward, had 36 points in the playoffs, three more points than Jamie Benn's 33. Benn played one fewer game than Hall. How good is this Hall kid? The Kingston Ontario resident scored 45 goals as a 16 year-old.
• Spitfires defenceman Ryan Ellis should ring a bell with some Rockets fans. Ellis played for Canada at the World Juniors and was a teammate of both Rockets forward Jamie Benn and defenceman Tyler Myers.
• The Spitfires head coach is Bob Boughner. Man that name sounds familiar? It should. Boughner is a former NHL'er who was a part of an ownership group that bought the team in 2006. Boughner is the coach. The GM is former Stanley Cup winner Warren Rychel.
• Rychel won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. The 8 year NHL veteran experienced tragedy in March when his younger brother was killed in a early morning house fire in Lakeshore Ontario.

WHL Referee Representative at Memorial Cup is.....

Chris Savage. Great choice. I corresponded with W-H-L Director Officiating Kevin Muench, and he confirms Savage is the choice.
Savage, from Medicine Hat, was named the top referee in the WHL this season.

Myers Signs NHL Deal

Tyler Myers signed an NHL contract with the Buffalo Sabres today. The Sabres drafted the 19 year-old in the 1st round of last summers NHL draft.

Audio - Game Winner

www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_1901.MP3&nid=927115

Thoughts On Series Clincher

• For the 4th time in the last 7 seasons the Rockets are off to the Memorial Cup. Tyson Barrie's goal in overtime lifted the Rockets to the 3-2 win, eliminating the Hitmen in 6 games. This Rockets team tends to bring their 'A' game to the table when it really counts. After an awful game five, the turnaround from dog tired to desperate was amazing. It was a complete effort that could have been decided in regulation time had it not been for Hitmen goaltender Martin Jones who was outstanding.
• The heavy artillery was brought out for game six, and the 'Benn Bomber' and the 'St. Denis Destroyer' found the designated target. Benn picked up two assists including the winner in overtime, while St. Denis was a threat with his speed. St-D often times stole the puck away from Hitmen defenceman who were attempting to move the puck up ice. His energy was infectious.
  
• Jamie Benn dropping his gloves to rough up Hitmen defenceman Michael Stone after applying a huge hit on Mikael Backlund. It looks now that it was the turning point in the game. While Benn took a double minor, the Rockets began out-hitting the Hitmen at every turn. That four minuter, in retrospect, was worth it's weight in gold. You won't hear that often in a game of this magnitude that a double minor is a good thing.
  
• Without a shadow of a doubt Michael Stone's hit on Rockets forward Mikael Backlund was the best I've seen all season. It was a major league collision, and clean to boot. What was even more amazing is that Backlund stayed in the game. Mikael Backlund is no ordinary Euro.
  
• Tyler Myers was named the series MVP for attempting to shutdown the top scoring team in the WHL during the regular season. But what can you say about the teams overall defensive play in the playoffs? Tyson Barrie had to play a little more cautious or conservative and had to concentrate on defense, while Tysen Dowzak played like only an overage veteran should. He played with purpose and made an impact. Brandon McMllan was tremendous while Collin Bowman was steady.
  
• Speaking of Bowman, it's the second straight year that a member of the family has participated in the Memorial Cup. Collin's older brother Drayson won the national championship last season with the Spokane Chiefs.
• Tyson Barrie now has a chance to attend his first ever Memorial Cup, something his dad also accomplished as a junior player. Len Barrie was with the Kamloops Blazers that lost three straight games at the Memorial Cup in 1990.
• I was especially impressed with Hitmen's head coach Dave Lowry when shaking hands with Rockets head coach Ryan Huska. Lowry had a few words with Huska before not only shaking his hand, but patting him on the back. I thought it was a classy gesture from the coach after a tough series and a tough loss.
  
• The Western Hockey League shouldn't find it hard in deciding which referee should represent the league at the 2009 Memorial Cup. Chris Savage is far and away the best official in the league, and deserves the honor, if he accepts?
  
• It was great to see three former Rockets captains celebrating the teams win up at Manhattan Point following the game. Ryan Cuthbert (2003), Josh Gorges(2004) and James McEwan (2008) all had huge smiles on their faces.
  
• You tend to appreciate a championship like this more when you experience missing the playoffs. I remember oh so well the 2006-2007 season when the Rockets missed the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Three years later they are champions once more.
  
• Jon Rosen, the play-by-play caller for the Everett Silvertips took in game six Saturday night. Rosen was itching to see some WHL playoff hockey and it was nice to chat with him before the game.
• Even former colour analyst David Michaud came out of the woodwork to watch the game in person. Michaud made the 7 hour trip down from Prince George to cheer the boys on.
• A quick shout-out to Corey Flett from the WHL league office. Flett uploaded video from the post game press conferences in the championship series and conducted several video interviews as well. It was a nice addition to the WHL website.
  

Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Click on images to inlarge.





Rockets 3 Hitmen 2 Overtime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Benn Will Play In Game 6

Game Six Notes vs. Hitmen

Tonight’s Preview: The Kelowna Rockets and Calgary Hitmen are meeting in game six of the Western Hockey League championship final. The Rockets have a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series after a 3-1 win in game one, a 5-2 victory in game two and a 2-0 shutout win in game three. The Hitmen have won the last two games though, after a 6-2 victory in game four and a 6-1 win in game five. These two teams have never met in the league final. The Rockets are appearing in the championship series for the third time in franchise history. The Rockets made an appearance in 2003 with a 6 game series win over Red Deer before earning a five game series win against Brandon in 2005. If a game seven is necessary, it will be played Monday in Calgary. This season the Rockets and Hitmen met twice, with both games being played in Calgary. Both games were decided by a single goal.

What’s Happened So Far: The Hitmen have outscored the Rockets 15-13 in the first five games with the Hitmen out-scoring the Rockets 12-3 in the last two games…The Hitmen have out-shot the Rockets 164-128 in the five games….The Hitmen are 5 for 24 on the power play in the series (20.8%) while the Rockets are 2 for 17 (11.8%) with the man advantage…The Rockets have failed to score a power play goal in four straight games after scoring twice with the man advantage in game one….The Rockets have out-scored the Hitmen 7-6 in the third period…Only four of the twenty-eight goals (14%) in the series have been scored in the first period. ..The Rockets have been out-scored 10-3 in the final 40 minutes of games four and five…The Rockets have not lost three games in a row in the playoffs. The last time the Rockets lost three or more games was from January 16th to January 23rd when the team was winless in four games (0-2-0-2)…It will be six years tomorrow that the Rockets won their very first WHL title. It was May 10, 2003 when the Rockets beat the Red Deer Rebels 2-0 in six games.

Game Six Success: The Rockets are 2-0 in game six situations. The Rockets beat Tri City 6-2 in game six of round two and were a 5-4 winner in overtime in game six against Vancouver in round three. Both game six wins were series clinching victories.

Turn It Up A Notch: Ian Duval scored ten goals with the Rockets in 26 regular season games and has managed to score ten goals in 21 playoff games. Mikael Backlund had 12 goals in 28 regular season games with the Rockets and now has 11 goals in just 18 playoff games.
In case You Are Wondering: The Rockets have never won a WHL championship title at home. Both wins came on the road in Red Deer in 2003 and in Brandon in 2005…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.
I Didn’t Know That: Jamie Benn is now the Kelowna Rockets franchise leader in points in one playoff season. Benn has 31 playoff points, three more than Jesse Schultz, who put up 28 points in the 2003 post season…The Rockets are playing their 22nd playoff game tonight. That means the Rockets are playing their 94th game of the season tonight if you include the 72 game regular season schedule. The franchise record for playoff games played is 24, set during the 2005 post season…Ian Duval has 18 points in 21 playoff games this season after recording just 3 points (1+2=3) in 16 playoff games with the Calgary Hitmen last season.

Ouch!

• That one stings. The Calgary Hitmen were full marks for a dominating 6-1 win over the Kelowna Rockets Thursday night in game five of the Western Hockey League final. The Hitmen fired 50 shots at Mark Guggenberger, who received little to no support in goal. The Rockets still lead the series 3 games to two, with game six Saturday night at Prospera Place.
• Had Guggenberger had an off night, what would the score have been?
• Despite being badly out shot, the Rockets had a handful of chances when the game was close. Evan Bloodoff and Ian Duval had tremendous chances, but failed to bury the puck in the back of the net. In the first three games the Rockets were making the most of those opportunities, now the Hitmen are finishing those chances.
• The Hitmen have out-scored the Rockets 12-3 in the last two games and are playing like a desperate team, which they indeed are. For a second straight game they staved off elimination and did it handily. When will the Rockets play like a desperate team? If the players don't believe they need to be, they are fooling themselves.
• Where has the Rockets power play gone? After going 2 for 3 in game one, the power play has failed to score a goal in the last four games. Over that period they are 0 for 14.
• While the power play has vanished, so has the teams physical play. While the Hitmen are forcing the issue physically, the Rockets aren't pushing back. And if they are, in most situations they are taking trips to the penalty box because of frustration. The end result has the Hitmen with 5 power play goals in their last 14 chances (35.7%).
• How valuable is Jamie Benn to the Rockets overall success? After back-to-back losses the question is being answered. Benn has missed games three-four and five, with the Rockets losing two of those three. The team could use an emotional lift. Having Benn back in the lineup would do just that.
• Hitmen forward Ian Schultz got off lucky with serving a 2 minute minor for a head shot to Rockets defenceman Tyson Barrie. Barrie crashed to the ice at the Hitmen blue line on the Schultz hit. It appeared the Rockets bench was calling for a deliberate attempt to injure penalty, but referee Matt Kirk sided with just a minor penalty.
• Despite inconsistency's in the way the game was called, the officials had little baring on the outcome of the game. On this night the Rockets were at fault and the Hitmen should be credited with the solid effort.
• The two teams again took the same charter back to Kelowna following the game and arrived at around 11:30 pm local time.

Referee's for Game 5

Matt Kirk and Chris Savage are the referee's tonight.

Four Game Sweep Setback

• Kelowna Rockets fans, brooms in hand, were looking to attend a celebration party Wednesday night at Prospera Place. Instead, what they got was a good example of why the Calgary Hitmen were the top team in the Western Hockey League this season. Brett Sonne, held pointless in the first three games of this series, scored twice and added two assists in a 6-2 win over the Rockets in game four of the Western Hockey League final.
• The Hitmen showed they meant business by scoring a power play goal early in the first period. Yet the Rockets received back-to-back goals from Mikael Backlund just 5 minutes into the second period and the home team had a 2-1 lead and momentum clearly on their side. The Rockets could have put the game on ice with a 5 on 3 power play, but failed to score. The Hitmen would eventually score three goals in the second and two more in the third in the lopsided win.
• Despite trailing 4-2 early in the third period, the Rockets were given an early power play chance. Cody Almond could have made it a one goal game but saw his shot go off the left pad of Hitmen goaltender Martin Jones. Had Almond lifted the puck instead of sliding it on the ice, the Rockets could have made it a game.
• The Hitmen owned the best power play unit in the league during the regular season and showed why in game four. The unit struck for 3 goals on 5 chances. The Rockets were 0 for 5 and have failed to score a power play goal in the last three games in this series.
• The Hitmen snapped a three game losing streak with the win while snapping the Rockets 6 game winning streak in the playoffs.
• If you don't play well, the best thing you can do in a playoff series is forget it. No point in dwelling on what happened, but quickly correct the mistakes you made and prepare for the next game. Game five is tonight in Calgary.
• The two teams are on a level playing field when it comes to travel. The Western Hockey League chartered a jet to fly the two teams back to Calgary. The Rockets had the front of the aircraft while the Hitmen took up the back half. The 45 minute flight was seamless with two buses waiting for the teams as they landed.

Rockets Game Notes Hitmen

Tonight’s Preview: The Kelowna Rockets and Calgary Hitmen are meeting in game four of the Western Hockey League championship final. The Rockets have a 3-0 lead in the best of seven series after a 3-1 win in game one, a 5-2 victory in game two and a 2-0 shutout win in game three. These two teams have never met in the league final. The Rockets are appearing in the championship series for the third time in franchise history. The Rockets made an appearance in 2003 with a 6 game series win over Red Deer before earning a five game series win against Brandon in 2005. If a game five is necessary, it will be played tomorrow night in Calgary with game six back in Kelowna Saturday. This season the Rockets and Hitmen met twice, with both games being played in Calgary. Both games were decided by a single goal.

What’s Happened So Far: The Rockets have out-scored the Hitmen 10-3 in the first three games…The Hitmen have out-shot the Rockets in two of the three games by a margin of 79-72….The Rockets have opened the scoring in two of the three games…The Hitmen are 0 for 10 on the power play in the series while the Rockets are 2 for 8 with the man advantage…The Rockets have out-scored the Hitmen 7-2 in the third period…Only two of the thirteen goals in the series have been scored in the first period…Mark Guggenberger’s goals against average in this series is 1.00, with a save percentage of .962.

Game Four Success: The Rockets are 3 and 0 in game four’s in the playoffs. The Rockets beat Kamloops 5-3 in round one, used overtime in a 4-3 victory over Tri City in round two and shutout the Giants in game four of the Western Conference final. Overall the Rockets have out-scored the opposition 12-6 in game four situations.

Turn It Up A Notch: Ian Duval scored ten goals with the Rockets in 26 regular season games and has managed to score ten goals in 19 playoff games. Mikael Backlund had 12 goals in 28 regular season games with the Rockets and now has 11 goals in just 16 playoff games.

Goose-Egg for Guggenberger: Mark Guggenberger is moving into some elite company thanks to his third shutout of the playoffs. That matches the three shutouts Derek Yeomans recorded during the 2005 playoffs. The Rockets record for shutouts in one post season is four, set by Kelly Guard in the 2003 post season…The Rockets top five defenceman are a combined +10 in this series. The Hitmen’s top five defenceman are a combined -9… The Rockets have never won a WHL championship title at home. Both wins came on the road in Red Deer in 2003 and in Brandon in 2005…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.

I Didn’t Know That: Jamie Benn is now the Kelowna Rockets franchise leader in points in one playoff season. Benn has 31 playoff points, three more than Jesse Schultz, who put up 28 points in the 2003 post season…The Rockets are playing their 20^th playoff game tonight. That means the Rockets are playing their 92^nd game of the season tonight if you include the 72 game regular season schedule. The franchise record for playoff games played is 24, set during the 2005 post season…Ian Duval has 16 points in 19 playoff games this season after recording just 3 points (1+2=3) in 16 playoff games with the Calgary Hitmen last season.

Things That Make Me Go Hmm...

• The Hitmen were handing out these masks at the Saddledome the other night and I had to pick up a couple for my twin boys. No, they are not Hitmen fans, but the concept is cool. I would like to see a similar mask with the Rockets aggressive looking Ogopogo on it. Much like what is seen on the teams third jersey. The kids would eat it up!
• I received a cool e-mail from Brady Leavold late last night. The former Rocket says he will try to be in attendance Wednesday night for game four. Leavold is just one year removed from a Rockets team that is now in the Western Hockey League final. Can you imagine having Leavold in the lineup this season?
• Speaking of Leavold, don't expect Swift Current Broncos GM Dean Chynoweth to make a deal with Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton anytime soon. First Leavold gets traded to the Rockets and his career takes off, and now former Bronco Mark Guggenberger makes the move to the Okanagan and he is having a story book playoff. All kidding aside, the two will eventually hook up in another trade down the road, but it's interesting that two players traded from Swift Current to Kelowna would make such a big impact.
• Guggenberger's third shutout of the playoffs puts him in some pretty good company. Guggenberger ties Derek Yeomans for second all-time in shutouts in the playoffs. Yeomans had three shutouts in the 2005 post season. The Rockets club record for shutouts in a playoff season is four, set by Kelly Guard in 2003.
• The Rockets top five defenceman in this series are a combined +10. The Hitmen's top five d-men are a combined -9.
• How about Ian Duval. Duval scored 10 goals in 26 games with the Rockets during the regular season and has scored 10 goals in 19 playoff games.
• The numbers speak volumes as to how it took Mikael Backlund time to get comfortable with his new team. Backlund had 12 goals in 28 regular season games and has 11 goals in 16 playoff games.
• It's a small detail, but have you noticed how Rockets head coach Ryan Huska re-positions the microphone during post game press conferences? Most coaches turn their heads when answering a question, get off mic, and no one can hear them. And if the reporters can hear them, it's barely audible for use on TV or radio. Huska grabs the mic, moves it to the proper position, and cozies up to it. Like I said, small detail unless you are a reporter.
• While the Rockets 6 game winning streak in the playoffs is impressive, it doesn't come close to the teams 10 game winning streak during the 2003 playoffs. The Rockets won the first 10 playoff games before losing 3-2 in overtime in game three of the Western Conference final to the Seattle Thunderbirds.
• After seeing Matt Kirk and Chris Savage work games one and three of this series, should we assume Pat Smith and Devin Klein will work game four? Smith and Klein worked game two and let the two teams settle things on their own by failing to call a penalty in the third period.
• I overheard one member of the visiting media questioning how Tyler Myers wasn't named the Western Conference nominee for defenceman of the year. Instead Giants rearguard Jon Blum was given the honor. In fact, Blum won the defenceman of the year award for the entire league. Had Myers played like this during the regular season it wouldn't have been a contest. Be thankful Myers didn't shoot out the lights earlier. Had he, Myers would have made the Sabres opening day roster.
• The best Hitmen in this series outside of Keith Seabrook? In my opinion it's Carson McMillan. McMillan hits people, skates well and is a buzz-saw. I don't see the Hitty's often, but McMillan is the player that's caught my attention.

Trade Deadline Players Are Difference Makers in Game Three

• Fists used as sledge hammers during the regular season have handed the Calgary Hitmen a staggering blow in the Western Hockey League championship series. Ryley Grantham, who amassed 17 fighting majors this season, scored the game winning goal in the first period leading the Kelowna Rockets to a 2-0 win over the Hitmen, and a 3-0 lead in the best of seven series. It was Grantham's second game winning goal of the playoffs after turning the trick in a 1-0 win over the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League Western Conference final.
• While Grantham scored the game winner, 20 year-old Mark Guggenberger recording his 3rd playoff shutout, making 21 saves. Guggenberger, the games first star, was at his best in the third period when the Hitmen out-shot the Rockets 10-2 as they tried desperately to score the equalizing goal. Here is a video of 'Guggs' getting named the games first star.

• Shutting out the Hitmen is no small feat. Calgary scored the most goals in the WHL during the regular season and were one of few teams not held off the scoreboard this season. It was another solid defensive effort by the Rockets, who limited the visitors to just 11 shots on goal through 40 minutes.
• The biggest hit of the game came late in the third period when Cody Almond ran over Hitmen defenceman Keith Seabrook. The hit saw Seabrook's helmet come off, much to the delight of the capacity crowd that jeered Seabrook every time he touched the puck. It was Seabrook who knocked Jamie Benn out of game two with a huge hit.
• The Rockets played this game without injured forward Jamie Benn. It is nothing new for a franchise that was without two key players in the 2005 playoffs but found a way to win. In the opening round the Rockets were without Shea Weber, yet eliminated the Vancouver Giants in 6 games. To make matters worse, the Rockets would lose starting goaltender Derek Yeomans in game one of the league final only to see backup Kristofer Westblom lead the Rockets to a championship title.
• Only four minor penalties were called in game four. Two other penalties were also called, but those were offsetting minors. The Rockets were 0 for 3 on the power play while the Hitmen received just one chance with the extra man.
• Infractions will be overlooked in a series of this magnitude, but when Mitchell Callahan gets cross-checked in the back of the head in the second period, I have to shake my head.
• The Rockets have scored an empty net goal in all three games.
• The Rockets have now won 6 straight playoff games.
• Alan Caldwell informs me that the Hitmen lost four straight to Lethbridge in the 2008 Eastern Conference finals. I won't argue with that considering Alan's amazing work with numbers.
• The Rockets have out-scored the Hitmen 10-3 in the three games.
• Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter was again in attendance.
• Former Rockets captain, now Montreal Canadiens defenceman Josh Gorges took in the game.

Random Pics from Cowtown

Captain Colin Long wearing the 'reds'.

Hitmen goaltender Martin Jones is one of several Hitmen sporting Mohawks in this series.

The Rockets celebrate after a game one win. No enthusiasm here, just focus.

A pic from our broadcast location at the Saddledome. Those little dots on the bench across the ice are players. The height from this location may explain why this is one of my least favorite places to call a game. Sorry, but bigger isn't better. (insert joke here).

Rockets Game Notes vs. Hitmen

Tonight’s Preview: The Kelowna Rockets and Calgary Hitmen are meeting in game three of the Western Hockey League championship final. The Rockets have a 2-0 lead in the best of seven series after a 3-1 win in game one and a 5-2 victory in game two. These two teams have never met in the league final. The Rockets are appearing in the championship series for the third time in franchise history. The Rockets made an appearance in 2003 with a 6 game series win over Red Deer before earning a five game series win against Brandon in 2005. Game three and four in the series will be played Monday and Wednesday night in Kelowna. This season the Rockets and Hitmen met twice, with both games being played in Calgary. Both games were decided by a single goal.

What’s Happened So Far: The Rockets have out-scored the Hitmen 8-3 in the first two games…The Hitmen have out-shot the Rockets in both games by a margin of 58-48….The Hitmen have out-shot the Rockets in both games…Both teams have managed to open the scoring in the first two games…The Hitmen are 0 for 9 on the power play in the series while the Rockets are 2 for 5 with the man advantage…The Rockets have out-scored the Hitmen 6-2 in the third period…Only one of the eleven goals in the series have been scored in the first period. Jamie Benn’s goal in game one is the only marker scored in the opening frame….Neither team has had the lead going into the third period. In the first two contests the game has been tied at one heading into the third period…Mark Guggenberger’s goals against average in this series is 1.50, with a save percentage of .948….Martin Jones’ goals against average is 3.04 in this series with a save percentage of .870.

Game Three Success: The Rockets are 2 and 1 in game three situations in this years playoffs. The Rockets beat Kamloops 3-2 in overtime in round one, beat Tri City 7-2 in round two and suffered a 3-2 loss to Vancouver in game three of round three.

Interesting Data: 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.

I Didn’t Know That: Jamie Benn is now the Kelowna Rockets franchise leader in points in one playoff season. Benn has 31 playoff points, three more than Jesse Schultz, who put up 28 points in the 2003 post season…The Rockets are playing their 19^th playoff game tonight. That means the Rockets are playing their 91^st game of the season tonight if you include the 72 game regular season schedule…Ian Duval has 16 points in 18 playoff games this season after recording just 3 points (1+2=3) in 16 playoff games with the Calgary Hitmen last season.

My Audio Interview With Double 'D' - Darren Deschamps

www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_1812.MP3&nid=922834

Not For The Faint Of Heart

Have you ever walked across the score clock at the Saddledome? Likely not, so I thought I'd give you a video tour. WARNING - don't look down!

'Gugg'antuan Win

• Mark Guggenberger was considered by many as the weak link as the Kelowna Rockets began their quest for a WHL championship in mid March. Six weeks later the 20 year-old goaltender is turning a lot of heads with his play and changing the minds of many who believed he was not the answer when the Rockets acquired him at the trade deadline. Guggenberger made 27 saves while Mikael Backlund scored twice in the third period leading the Rockets to a 5-2 win over the Calgary Hitmen, taking a 2-0 lead in the WHL championship series.
• Guggenberger played Saturdays game essentially breathing through one nostril. A bloody nose in game one had him playing with a nose plug in game two. While it wasn't a pretty sight, it is safe to say he was breathing a little easier after winning back-to-back games against a Hitmen team that hadn't lost two straight games at home all season.
• If Hitmen defenceman Keith Seabrook’s objective in this series is to get in the face of Rockets leading scorer Jamie Benn, it is fair to say he has accomplished his goal just two short games into this series. Seabrook leveled Benn in a second period collision in game one and then literally knocked him out of the game with a first period hit in game two. The hit was so hard that Benn lost his helmet before crashing to the ice. Benn never returned to action.
• Rockets forward Colin Long could have been seeing stars too, but avoided an Alex Plante forearm that just missed Long's head. Michael Stone also got into the act with two solid hits, forcing Rockets rookie Mitchell Callahan to ask the skilled defenceman to a fight. Stone made the wise decision by rejecting Callahan’s proposal.
• While the Hitmen pushed the envelope physically, Rockets forward Cody Almond was the most aggressive Rockets forward by either taking a hit to make a play or taking out his frustrations on a Hitmen physically.
• Evan Bloodoff is arguably the fastest skater on the Kelowna Rockets and used that speed to perfection Saturday night. Bloodoff blew past two Hitmen defenceman by using his speed to the outside and essentially set up two of the Rockets four-third period goals. Only teammate Brandon McMillan could match Evan’s breakaway speed.
• I still believe the Rockets defensive core has benefited from the loss of Luke Schenn. It may sound like an odd statement, but Schenn’s absence forced Tyler Myers, Tyson Barrie, Tysen Dowzak and Collin Bowman to play big minutes in crucial situations this season. Schenn’s absence also meant Brandon McMillan was forced to play defense after starting the season as a forward. Would I have rather seen Schenn in a Rockets uniform than wearing Leafs colours this season? Obviously, but being forced to play without him has made this group better players.
• How much credit does assistant coach Jeff Finley receive in working with this group?
• Paul Postma may have been a minus 4 in game two, but the Hitmen defenceman has a bullet from the blue line. Only teammate Michael Stone has a harder shot. Yet the Rockets are keenly aware of their shoot first mentality and are doing a great job of getting into shooting lanes. I don’t think I‘ve ever seen a Rockets team block shots and get into shooting lanes better than this years edition. No one gets more shots off his shins than defenseman Tysen Dowzak.
• Pat Smith and Devin Klein, please refer to how you called the game in the third period of game two and offer us that excellent display over a full 60 minutes. A non-factor in the final 20 minutes allowed the two teams to settle the game on their own merits. If we notice you – bad. If you are invisible – good!
• Despite making it a two goal game, his reaction and the reaction of those around him after a goal by Hitmen defenceman Keith Seabrook with 7 minutes left in the game gave me the sense that a late period comeback bid would fall short. The body language spoke volumes.

Party Poopers

• The Kelowna Rockets know how to spoil a party, especially if the Calgary Hitmen are hosting the bash. The Rockets earned a 2-1 win back on February 28th when the Hitmen were attempting to set a franchise record for home ice wins. Then in game one of the WHL final, the Rockets prevented the Hitmen from reaching the WHL record books with a 3-1 victory. Had the Hitmen won the game, they would have set a new league record for consecutive wins in the playoffs. That streak was stopped at 12 games.
• Jamie Benn had two goals and an assist in game one. Benn's three point effort surpasses Jesse Schultz for the Rockets franchise record for points in a playoff. Benn now has 31 points in 17 playoff games, 3 better than Schultz, who had 28 points in the 2003 post season.
• I liked the Rockets opening 10 minutes before the Hitmen took over in the final half of the opening period. While the Hitmen dominated the second period, the Rockets were able to weather the storm and managed a 1-1 tie heading into the third period. It was a textbook road game by the Rockets. You won't find much 'flash and dash' in the Rockets game, but it was effective enough for a game one victory.
• Mark Guggenberger didn't get a game star in the building, but got an honour on our broadcast. While the Hitmen hit no less than three posts in the third, the 20 year-old goaltender made some solid saves, including getting his glove on a puck that appeared to hit the post before almost trickling over the goal line.
• The best hit I've seen in this years playoffs goes to Hitmen defenceman Keith Seabrook. Seabrook leveled Rockets forward Jamie Benn with a huge hit as the two converged on a loose puck in the corner. Benn went flying into the air and landed awkwardly in the corner. Benn slowly made his way off the ice before returning in the third period.
• The Rockets power play manufactured two goals on just three chances. While impressive, the fact that the visitors shutout the Hitmen in four power play chances was the significant stat.
• The Hitmen's defensive core impressed me in game one. They love to join the attack, shoot at will and make good decisions in their own zone. The Hitmen's forwards had an off night and generated few top quality chances. The Rockets defensive core should also get credit for keeping Brett Sonne quiet in game one.
• It was a blast from the past in the media room prior to game one. Parry Shockey, Brian Maxwell and Mike Moore were all in attendance. Shockey and Maxwell are former WHL coaches while Moore is a former GM.

Things That Make Me Go Hmm...

• The Swift Current Broncos organization is well represented in the WHL final. Four former members of that team are now either with the Kelowna Rockets or Calgary Hitmen. Mark Guggenberger is the lone representative on the Rockets that played in Swift Current, while the Hitmen have Paul Postma, Kyle Bortis and Kris Foucault who have worn a Broncos jersey.
• Three players traded by the Moose Jaw Warriors at the trade deadline are now playing in the championship series. Ian Duval and Ryley Grantham will face off against former Warriors teammate Joel Broda.
• You will find a father-son connection in this years league final. Rockets defenceman Tyson Barrie is making his first appearance in the championship series. Barrie's father Len participated in the 1990 WHL final with the Kamloops Blazers before leading them to a bid at the Memorial Cup in Hamilton, Ontario.
• I ran into Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini in the lobby this morning. Tambellini is off to the World Championships tomorrow. Rockets fans may have forgotten that the Rockets traded for Steve's son Jeff in 2004, when his playing rights were held by the Spokane Chiefs.
• One of the players the Rockets selected in yesterday's WHL Bantam Draft was Sean MacTavish. Yes, Sean is the son of former Edmonton Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish.
• The Rockets had a quick skate at the Saddledome this morning. My focus was taken off the ice as Darren Deschamps made a surprise visit. Deschamps was a member of the Rockets Memorial Cup winning team in 2004 and was also a WHL champion with the Rockets in 2005. Deschamps is now a Allan Cup champion too. Deschamps helped the Bentley Generals to the senior hockey championship last month in Steinbach Manitoba. I will have an interview with Deschamps on our pre-game show tonight on AM-1150, starting at 6 o'clock.
• The elimination of the Calgary Flames from the Stanley Cup playoffs has been positive news for the WHL and this series in general. The Calgary Sun newspaper covers the Hitmen quite well during the regular season, but the exit of the Flames means the Hitmen get wall to wall coverage in the local rags. No less than four articles on this series appeared in the paper today, and is the focal point on Calgary's all talk sports radio station.
• We will have the privilege of having Swift Current Broncos play-by-play man Jon Keen join us in the broadcast booth for some observations over the next two night's. Keen knows the Hitmen well, and should provide some added insight on what the Hitmen do well and what the Rockets need to do to counteract that. Keen is a neutral observer in this series, and should be a nice addition to our broadcast team.