Quick hitters

Tomas Soustal playing goal after practice

• The Kelowna Rockets were fined 500.00 dollars today by the Canadian Hockey League for 'negative comments' that were made by a member of the organization following a 4-3 loss to the Quebec Remparts. The comments likely came as a result of Leon Draisaitl's ten minute misconduct at the end of the second period. 
• The media were attempting to bait Kelowna Rockets head coach Dan Lambert into commenting about the ten minute misconduct handed to forward Leon Draisaitl at the conclusion of the second period. The resulting penalty hurt the visitors, who had to play the first half of the third period without its marquee player. One reporter suggested that the fans come to the Memorial Cup to watch the best players perform on the ice, not see them sitting in the penalty box for simply having harsh words towards an opponent. Lambert did mention that Sydney Crosby doesn't receive a ten minute misconduct at the NHL level for verbally abusing an opponent. 
• Best quote from the morning media availability came from Coach Lambert. A reporter was fashioning a makeshift six inch stick with his recording device taped to it during a media scrum following the Rocket Saturday morning skate. Before answering any questions, Lambert looked at the device and jokingly said, "You probably got beat with one of those"?
• The Kelowna Rockets held an optional skate in Quebec City today and the majority of the teams top end players took a pass and rested. One player who elected to skate was Rourke Chartier. It may seem like no big deal to the average observer, but it impressed me. Chartier is a true warrior who logs massive minutes yet shows up for practice. How can he not wear the 'C' when he played his 19 year-old season in 2015-2016? If you are looking for someone to lead by example, Chartier is your man.
• While it's mainly business at the Memorial Cup for the Western Hockey League Champions, back up goaltender Michael Herringer spent some time after practice playing the shooter while forward Tomas Soustal put on Herringer's mask, glove and blocker and played goalie after the skate was over. Check out of the photo above for evidence.
• Defenceman Mitch Wheaton left his mark at practice today. The 19 year-old, who was a healthy scratch in game one of the Memorial Cup, took a shot at practice and shattered the glass. Fortunately, the on ice session was at a nearby practice facility.