Lambert turns the big 4-0

• I had a chance to speak with the two newest Kelowna Rockets today before practice. The transcript of the conversations will be posted shortly. A common theme held constant with both of them. When asked if they were happy to be playing in Kelowna, they both smiled and then said enthusiastically, "yes".
• Dallas Jackson admitted he had heard rumours he may be traded to Saskatoon before eventually landing in Kelowna. I am sure more teams would have shown interest in the defenceman had his age - 20 - not have been an overwhelming factor.
• Jackson spends the off season in his home of Edson, Alberta. His father though lives in nearby Salmon Arm. I have a good feeling Jackson's dad will be seen at Prospera Place from time to time this season.
• Jackson's WHL career began with the Red Deer Rebels before he was eventually traded to the Regina Pats. What's interesting is when he was traded to Regina the Rebels received among others, former Rockets forward Troy Ofukany.
• Is Jackson trying to make a good impression? He joined Tyson Barrie and injured forward Geordie Wudrick on the ice 20 minutes before practice began. Barrie and Jackson were seen passing the puck back and forth and blasting one timers into the net. I think we will see a lot of those two playing together - specificially on the power play - in the final 30 games of the regular season.
• Jackson says outside of the sport of hockey, he enjoys the game of golf. In fact Jackson tells me he's a scratch golfer. Just don't tell AM 1150 colour analyst Gord McGarva about this. McGarva won't stop talking to him if he finds that out.
• Sean Aschim seems like a good kid. We spoke today before practice. The just turned 17 year-old told me the last 24 hours have been full of adjustments. Not only did he have to move to a new city and a new team, but he attended his first class Tuesday at KSS.
• Aschim admits the Rockets dressing room isn't full of just unfamiliar faces. Aschim knows both Codey Ito and Max Adolph. All three are Saskatoon residents.
• Curt Gogol scored his first goal of the season Tuesday night as the newest member of the Saskatoon Blades. Gogol helped the Blades beat the Swift Current Broncos, but took a penalty late in the third period, which almost saw the Broncos tie it.
• You don't want to look too far ahead but Friday's matchup against Portland is potentially a first round playoff matchup between the two teams. Sure, sure, lots of hockey to be played here...but...does this game not give you a bit of an idea of what could happen between these two teams in an opening round playoff series?
• I want to congratulate Kelowna Rockets assistant coach Dan Lambert on turning the big 4-0 today. Lambert is now officially old. I can say that because I turn 42 in February. Happy Birthday Lambo!
• I remember how I celebrated by 40th. I was in Kamloops of all places calling a hockey game that night. I will remember the scoreboard at the Interior Saving Centre flashing 'Happy 40th Birthday Regan Bartel' during a third period stoppage in play. I am not sure if the Rockets or the Blazers were responsible for that, but it was a nice touch.