Saturday, January 21, 2012

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.

5 comments:

g.k said...

Great effort last night but I don't understand why the Rockets can't play with that kind of energy every night, if they did their record would be much better for sure. I believe the coaches need to send a message to some of the players that if they don't want to give 100% every shift then they can sit & watch, I'm sure that would wake them up. Looking forward to the Blazer game on Wednesday, their not the doormats of the West anymore & will be tough to beat, they are for real folks!!!

Regan Bartel said...

This team isn't as poor as the record indicated...the game last night against the Giants was proof of that. Intensity. Hitting. It was an impressive effort considering what we've witnessed in games against Lethbridge and Everett.

Jared Comeau said...

Still not convinced.

Unknown said...

Regan, seriously a win over a Giants team without their two best players (Musil and Gallgher) means they are better than their record? Yet loses to bottom feeders like the Tips and Canes doesnt mean they are worse than their record?

We get the positive attitude and glass is fuller thing but come on, this team has proven to be as bad, if not worse than their record throughout the season.. Most fans are realistic these days and long gone are the rose colored glasses worn by so many.

Jared Comeau said...

Sadly, I agree with Unknown. If Gallagher and Musil were in the line-up, no chance we win this hockey game in a shoot out. I love this team like no other, but as it stands, right now, we are not better than the 06/07 Team that missed the playoffs.