100!

• Will the real Kelowna Rockets please stand up? The Rockets looked nothing like the team we witnessed in losses to Lethbridge and Everett earlier in the week. Instead this team that struggles, more out of a lack of effort than anything else, had their work boots on Saturday night in a 4-3 shootout win over the visiting Vancouver Giants. On this night, I could have taken a loss and still been impressed with the overall effort. But isn't it funny if you really put forth the work, you tend to win the game at the end of the night? In a worse case scenario you give yourself a fighting chance? What stood out most for me was the Rockets physical play. Huge hits, gritty play and just determination were massive factors in the 20th win of the season. When you witness Shane McColgan and MacKenzie Johnston making efforts to hit people, you can't help but get involved in the act and be inspired.

• One of the players I was most proud of last night was Johnston. Amping up his physical play to a height we have not seen before, 'Johnny' had the jam to get involved physically and win puck battles. It was nice to see him rewarded with two assists for sticking his neck out physically. He was named the third star on our broadcast even though he didn't receive a star in the building. If Johnston wants an example how he needs to play, look at the video tape from the game on January 21st against Vancouver. If you play like that, even minus the two assists, you increase your effectiveness two-fold.
  
• Cody Chikie, who has been as quiet as a mouse over the last two weeks has come alive over the last two games. The 20 year-old scored a greasy goal late in the second period to send his team into the dressing room down by two. Then to witness the Rockets score three straight goals, including the winner from Zach Franko in the shootout was impressive. Franko has now scored six consecutive shootout goals in seven attempts. Money.
  
• Congratulations to Kelowna Rockets goaltender Adam Brown for reaching 100 wins for his WHL career. How about his stop on Marek Tvrdon in the second period on a bang-bang play? Unreal. Some people have accused me of being a big fan of Brown...to which I say..yes I am.
  
• It was fun to watch 17 year-old Tanner Moar score such a crucial goal late in the game to tie the score at 3. How can you not get excited when a 4th liner is able to contribute at such an important time of the game?
• Can the Rockets play better than what we witnessed Saturday? No question. I still think Colton Sissons and Brett Bulmer can be better, and will need to be when the top team in the WHL, the Kamloops Blazers pay a visit on Wednesday.
• This game is another reason this Rockets team would be scary to face in an opening round playoff series.
• A reminder to join us at Bar One in the Sandman Hotel on Tuesday as AM 1150 presents our first ever, 'Rockets Round Table'. General Manager Bruce Hamilton and Head Coach Ryan Huska will join us as we broadcast live from 5 until 7 pm as we talk Rockets Hockey. Come down and be a part of our live audience. Brett Bulmer and Adam Brown will also join us plus we will hear from Tyson Barrie, who is now in his first season in the AHL.