Quick thoughts from pre-season win.

• It was only exhibition, but beating the Vancouver Giants at any time is fun. Cody Chikie scored a power play goal in overtime leading the Kelowna Rockets to a 4-3 pre-season win Friday night at Prospera Place. Madison Bowey, Tyson Ballie and Jessey Astles added singles. The Rockets host Victoria tonight at 7.
  
• Rookie European forward Filip Vasko chipped in with two assists.
• Jordan Cooke went the distance in goal and was sharp despite giving up three goals on 28 shots.
• The Rockets dressed just one-20 year-old. Chikie, as mentioned, scored the game winner. Adam Brown was Cookie's backup and defenceman Kevin Smith watched from the sidelines.
• 17 year-old forward Colton Sissons wore the 'C' on his jersey. He doesn't turn 18 until October.
  
• The youngest guy on the ice last night was Rockets forward Ryan Donaldson. Donaldson is just 14. He doesn't turn 15 until December 10th. What does that say about the Langley BC resident if he is participating in a WHL pre-season game?
  
• If Jessey Astles' can get his shot away, the 18 year-old is going to score a lot of goals. Does he not have the best release, or one of the quickest releases on the team? You don't use your slap shot when you can release it that quickly.
• Tyrell Goulbourne was involved in a scrap and did very well. The 17 year-old is anything but a heavyweight (5'11 - 170), but a willing combatant and can throw a hard punch. You have to admire his grit.
  
• I sure liked the play of 16 year-old forward Tyson Baillie. If I was picking the team, he would be on my opening day roster. Not a great skater, Baillie has a knack for finding himself in good positions to score. I am not sure if that can be taught. The Fort Saskatchewan resident was a bigger scorer in Bantam and collected as many points in Midget as he played games. He even went out of his way last night to make body contact which shows me he is no shrinking violet.
• If Baillie makes the team, the temptation will be there to call him Tyson Barrie. I see it slipping out of my mouth.
  
• Best overall Rockets d-man? Madison Bowey. The 16 year-old joins the rush, is able to recover quickly and rarely gives away the puck.
  
• Winning face-offs. That is a key area the Rockets need to improve on this season. I thought the Rockets struggled in that phase of the game last year in the playoff series against Portland. Shane McColgan, Cody Chikie, Colton Heffley and whoever else taking the draws have to be a whole lot better.
• Ex-Rocket Mikeal Backlund made a quick stop in the broadcast booth last night. Backlund is spending some time in Kelowna before he prepares for the start of Calgary Flames training camp.
• Former Rockets analyst Joey Kenward took in the game. Kenward has joined the staff of the Vancouver Canucks full time and will be doing good work on the teams website. Kenward told me that Rick Ball, also a former Rockets announcer, will be doing some games with CBC's Hockey Night in Canada this season. Good on him.
• The Giants had the players names on the back of the jersey while the Rockets were not afforded the same luxury. If the old school principal applies here, I like it. Until you make the opening day roster, your name won't be on the back of a Rockets uniform.