Sunday, March 16, 2014

A banner season indeed!

Huska at the Helm - Shoot the Breeze Photography
  • You will have to excuse the Kelowna Rockets record book if it looks a little banged up. You would too if you were assaulted as many times as it was during the 2013-2014 Western Hockey League regular season. The Rockets set new records for points (118) wins (57), fewest losses (11) and most road wins (29). The 29 road victories tied at WHL record that was set last season by the Portland  Winterhawks. Those impressive totals came about as the team wrapped up the regular season Saturday night with a 5-3 home ice win over the Vancouver Giants. The win, the teams 28th at Prospera Place, fell three shy of the team record of 31 set last season and accomplished during the 2002-2003 season.
  • Nick Merkley tied a franchise record for goals by a 16 year-old. Merkley scored his 25th Saturday night tying him with Shane McColgan for the most goals by a first year player. 
  • Madison Bowey ended the season with 21 goals, which is now the franchises best for a d-man. The previous record was 19 goals set by Tyson Barrie in the 2009-2010 season.  Barrie was the team scoring leader with 72 points. Bowey ended his season with 60.
  • Myles Bell won the team scoring title for a second consecutive season. The 20 year-old had 42 goals and 77 points. Bell led the team in power play goals (10) and game winning goals (9). The last player to win back-to-back scoring titles was Shane McColgan in 2010-2011 and again in 2011-2012. 
  • Three players enjoyed playing in all 72 games this season. Bowey, Cole Martin and Rourke Chartier accomplished the feat. Last season only 20 year-old Dylen McKinlay played in all 72.
  • Cole Martin led the team with a +61 rating. That smashes the previous club record of +55 set by Dylen McKinlay last season. 

3 comments:

jaz301 said...

It was great to see that most of the fans stayed to the end last night to give the Rockets a standing ovation for what they have accomplished. It was an amazing season.

The best thing about this season was it was a team effort. There wasn't really star players. It was an all star team with 4 lines who all contributed. This is what makes a great team. I am looking forward to what should be a long playoff run.

Regan Bartel said...

Agreed. The fans were excellent. They were loud...unfortunately they became vocal late in the game, not earlier when the team really needs them? Does the beer finally kick in during the third period?

jaz301 said...

My thought is that with how good the Rockets are doing fans feel they don't need to cheer them early on because rockets will win. I noticed when rockets were down is when fans started to get going. When they were ahead they kind of just laid back and enjoyed the ride.

Playoffs are now among us and usually fans are more vocal. I really hope we see a whiteout this weekend. Go Rockets Go!