Thursday, August 30, 2012

Thoughts on what was considered final day of main camp

  • It shouldn't have come as a surprise that the skill level took a significant jump on the final day of two a day scrimmages at Kelowna Rockets main camp. The majority of the goals that were scored in the morning sessions - the one I attended - were much nicer than the greasy ones we saw during the early portions of training camp. One thing that I took away from the morning sessions was the same question I had in my head before camp even began. Which goaltender would step up as Jordon Cooke's back up? I'm as confused as ever with none of the goaltenders separating themselves from the pack. I guess that's what pre-season is for.
  • The three players that stood out for me in the morning scrimmage were veterans Carter Rigby, Tyson Baillie and rookie Rourke Chartier. Baillie has found his groove with some offensive success and scored a beauty on a in-tight chip shot that went inside the far post. Rigby used his hard shot to blow one by Team Orange goalie Thomas Spence and also opened up the scoring on a nice close in opportunity. Rigby, the Rockets co-winner for rookie of the year, should have another solid season in the attacking zone.  
  • Rourke Chartier has clearly done everything right at main camp. The 16 year-old blew away everyone in physical testing and is scoring goals in the scrimmages I've witnessed. Honestly, I had low expectations for him heading into training camp because of his age, but he obviously made some huge strides last winter with the Saskatoon Contacts. It will be interesting to see how he matches up in pre-season action.
  • Speaking of Baillie, I ran into his dad before the morning scrimmage. Tyson looks so much like his father Shaun. Scary...in a good way mind you.
  • Rookie 16 year-old Christopher Gerrie has impressed me. While not overly big, Gerrie finds himself creating good scoring chances and is always around the puck. I know little about him but he is turning my head at main camp.
  • I sure liked the play of Tanner Moar in the morning session. The lanky forward had some good chances to score and even got into a scrap.  Moar and Austin Ferguson are two players that have to 'bring it' in pre-season with so many good young players taking notice. Just my opinion here, but I think Colton Heffley would also fall into that category.     
  • Not much else to add outside of the Rockets preparing for a home and home series with the Vancouver Giants. Friday's game is in Ladner before the two teams hook up again Saturday night at Prospera Place.

1 comment:

Jared Comeau said...

Was I just not paying attention of did I not see ANY of Colton Heffley at all this preseason?