Things That Make Me Go Hmm...

• How excited is Brayden Schenn about Thursday's game in Kelowna? The Brandon Wheat Kings forward has watched his older brother Luke play at Prospera Place in the past, and now the 16 year-old will take to the ice against the team I am sure he always dreamt of playing for. Thursday's game will feature the Schenn brothers playing against each other for the first time, as Luke was at the Canadian World Junior training camp when the Rockets visited the Wheat Kings in early December.
• Speaking of Brayden Schenn, if he is not awarded the WHL rookie of the year it is indeed a crying shame. I applaud the efforts of first year forward's Jamie Benn (Rockets) and T.J Galiardi of the Calgary Hitmen for sensational seasons, but both players are two years older than Schenn. In my opinion the rookie of the year award should be handed out to a 16 year-old player, not a player who is two years older and is two years advanced both physically and mentally.
• Colin Long has 55 points more than a year ago. That transformation from one season to the next puts him at the top of the heap when it comes to players who have worn Kelowna Rockets colours. Only Cam Paddock comes close with 24 points in 2000-2001 and an impressive 73 points a season later. That's an improvement of 49 points. Tomas Slovak (+45), Kiel McLeod (+42), and Tyler Mosienko (+41) also improved substantially from one season to the next. Technically speaking, Rory McDade had 98 points more than an injury plagued 1999-2000 campaign. McDade would go pointless in two games that season before putting up 98 points in 2000-2001. What makes Long's numbers stand out is the 18 year-old played in 69 games last season and managed just 28 points. This year he has 83.
• Has Swift Current Broncos GM and Head Coach Dean Chynoweth sent a thank you note to the Kelowna Rockets yet? Since the Broncos beat the Rockets 4-0 on January 25th the Broncos have won 9 in a row. Overall the Broncos have won 10 straight, but was it the win over the Rockets that showed Chynoweth's crew that if they outwork an opponent they have the ability to win every night?
• A month ago a WHL scout told me that the Tri City Americans are the best team in the league. At the time I questioned the statement. Now I am a firm believer. The Americans are the hottest team out West at least after smoking Spokane 7-2 on the weekend. With Colton Yellowhorn leading the way, Don Nachbaur's boys are going to be tough to beat come playoff time.
• After the scary incident which saw Florida Panthers forward Richard Zednik's neck cut by a skate, does the WHL look at possibly having players wear protective neck guards? It's been a staple in the QMJHL for years now and minor hockey players across Canada are required to wear them. Why not in the WHL?
• Dan Russell of Sports Talk fame had an interesting interview with WHL Commish Ron Robison Friday night. Robison spoke about the concern he has for the Portland Winter Hawk franchise and the stability or level playing field he wants to see across the league when it comes to scouting. Robison also spoke about a new building for Moose Jaw and the anticipated announcement of a new building in the 'Jaw' later this month. To be honest with you, it's the first interview I've heard with Robison where he tackled some interesting issues head-on. I actually came away from the interview enlightened. Or maybe we should credit Russell for simply asking good questions?
• Speaking of the Commish, where has he been this season? I have not run into Ron Robison all season. I've been told he's been making the rounds across the Western Hockey League this season, but he hasn't made a stop in K-Town. You couldn't help but run into him in 2004 when the Rockets were hosting the Memorial Cup.
• If you missed it, here is the interview I had with former Rockets forward Blake Comeau, now up with the NHL's New York Islanders. http://www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_0314.MP3&nid=664585&
• What NHL player - property at one time of the Kelowna Rockets - was traded Monday night? Mike Commodore was traded along with Corey Stillman to Ottawa from the Carolina Hurricanes. Commodore was the Rockets 8th round pick, 119th overall in the 1994 bantam draft. Commodore never played a game with the Rockets, elected to go the college route attending the University of North Dakota.

Sagging Lower Lip Irk's Coach Huska

• Head Coach Ryan Huska says his club looked as if they felt sorry for themselves during Saturday's loss to the Chilliwack Bruins. After getting down 4-0, the Rockets needed a spark and 18 year-old Luke Schenn provided that with a solid fight with Bruins tough guy Partik Bhungal. It lifted the spirits of his team, yet they struggled to find the back of the net despite firing 14 shots on goal in the second period. It was clamp down time for the visitors in the third, allowing the Rockets just 2 shots on goal.
• Excluding the second period of Saturday's game, the Rockets managed just 5 shots on goal combined in periods one and three.
• The Rockets have scored just two goals in the last two games. That's not good for what was the top scoring team in the WHL heading into the weekend. That honor now goes to the Tri City Americans.
• The Rockets have been held to a single goal 3 times at home and 5 times on the road this season. The Rockets have been shutout twice this year.
• When was the last time the Rockets were held to a single goal in consecutive games? Look no further than to March 9th of last season in a 4-1 home ice loss to Seattle followed by a 4-1 loss again at home to Vancouver one night later. What's scary is the Rockets were shutout in the next game following the loss to the Giants, falling 4-0 on the road in the Tri Cities.
• Are you concerned at the Rockets start to the month of February? If it's any concellation the Rockets were 1-1-0-0 with two ties in the teams first four games in the month of February during the 2004-2005 season. That season the Rockets won the WHL title. In 2003-2004 the Rockets lost two of their first three games during the month. Oh ya, that year they won the Memorial Cup.
• All good teams struggle. Look at the Spokane Chiefs this weekend losing to Tri City and Seattle. Yes those two teams are solid hockey clubs, but to expect the Rockets to roll over the opposition like they did in January may be asking too much.
• The Rockets have scored seven of their last 9 goals on the power play. While that may sound well and good, the team has generated just two even strength goals in the last four games. Not good!
• Rockets forward Jamie Benn is expected to skate this week on his wonky ankle. Benn has missed the last five games, and the Rockets have just one regulation win to show for it. Benn's absence in early February may have just proven that he indeed is the teams MVP. Up until his injury, Benn had 10 goals in his last 12 games.
• WHL leading scorer Colin Long has four points in the five games without Benn. All four points have been assists. Long hasn't scored a goal in 11 games. Brady Leavold has just one goal in his last 7 games.

Rockets Game Notes vs Bruins

Tonight’s Preview: The Rockets open a three game home stand tonight against the Chilliwack Bruins. Overall the Rockets play 5 of their next 6 games on home ice. It’s the 8th of 10 meetings between the Rockets and Bruins this season. The Rockets are 5-2-0-0 in the first seven games, including 3-0-0-0 on home ice. The Rockets are 2-2-0-0 in Chilliwack. In the seasonal series three of the seven games have been decided by a single goal. Overall the Rockets have out-scored the Bruins 21-18. Following tonight’s game these two teams will face each other March 9th in Chilliwack before concluding the seasonal series March 12th back in Kelowna. The Rockets are coming off a 2-1 shootout loss last night in Kamloops. Tyler Myers third period power play goal tied the game at one and set the stages for the shootout. The Rockets were 1/6 on the power play and out-shot the Blazers 32-23. Following tonight’s game the Rockets host the Edmonton Oil Kings in a rare Thursday night game.

Shootout Woes Continue: The Rockets participated in their 8th shootout game of the year last night in Kamloops. The Rockets are 2-6 in the shootout. The Rockets only shootout wins were a 4-3 victory over Seattle October 6th and a 2-1 win over Vancouver October 24th. Since that game the Rockets have lost 6 straight shootout games. The Rockets have dropped shootout games to Kamloops and Moose Jaw (twice), Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. Oddly enough Torrie Jung has been in goal in five of those six shootout losses, and is now 1-7 in his career under the format.

Quick Hits: The Rockets are winless in 3 straight games (0-2-0-1), with their last regulation win coming in a 5-1 home ice victory over Everett January 30th. The Rockets longest losing streak this season is just three games. The Rockets were 2-1 losers to Spokane October 13th, before falling 4-3 to Everett on October 19th. The Rockets then dropped a 4-3 decision to Spokane October 20th…Rockets forward Jamie Benn will miss his 5th straight game tonight with a sprained ankle. The Rockets are 1-2-0-1 in his absence…Torrie Jung has started 7 consecutive games in goal, with Kristofer Westblom’s last start January 19th against the Prince George Cougars ….The Rockets have clinched a playoff spot in the Western Conference for the 16th time in franchise history. The team has missed the playoffs just once in 17 years…Colin Long has 54 points more than he had all of last season…The Rockets have just 6 road games left, with stops in Chilliwack, Vancouver, Spokane, Seattle, Portland and Tri City…The Rockets have lost 6 times in the shootout this season. That’s a league high shared with Moose Jaw and Edmonton…While Jung has had little success in the shootout, he is 4-0 when it comes to penalty shot situations. Jung has stopped Blazers forward Jusso Puustinen, Vancouver’s Michal Repik, Chilliwack’s Cody Smuk and Portland’s Luke Walker.
Games Played Ticker:
Brady Leavold: 184 Colin Long: 145 Dylan Hood: 96 Tyler Myers: 117
Cody Almond: 144 Brandon McMillan: 110 Myles MacRae: 169
Kyle St. Denis: 52 Evan Bloodoff: 112 Tysen Dowzak: 151
Lucas Bloodoff: 124 Luke Schenn: 173 Colin Joe: 232

Rockets Tidbits: The Rockets have been out-scored 26-16 in their last six games…Colin Long has a 3 point lead on Mark Santorelli for the WHL points lead. Long also leads the WHL in assists with 59, 2 better than Santorelli…Jamie Benn leads WHL rookies in scoring, 5 points better than Brandon’s Brayden Schenn. Benn is listed as day-to-day with a sprained ankle…Brady Leavold has points in 3 of his last 4 games (1+3=4).…Jamie Benn has seven-two goal games this season, but has yet to register a hat-trick…Colin Long has 25-multiple point games this season…The Rockets have scored the most power play goals in the WHL (69), four better than Vancouver’s 65….The Rockets have 16 games left in the regular season, 10 at home and 6 on the road…The Rockets have points in 10 of their last 15 road games (6-5-0-4). Cody Almond has 97 career points…The Rockets have played the second most games in the Western Conference (56). Only Everett, Portland and Kamloops (57) have played more.

Rockets vs. Divisions:

vs. BC: 18-9-0-2 vs. US: 6-5-2-0
vs. Central: 3-2-0-1 vs. East: 4-3-0-2


Rockets Players by Province: BC=12 US=4 ALB=3 SASK=2 MAN=1 EURO=1 Total=23
Rockets Schedule - Next 5 Games: Rockets Results - Last 5 Games:
Feb 14 vs. Brandon Rockets 3 Tigers 4 SOL
Feb 16 vs. Edmonton Rockets 5 Everett 1 W
Feb 19 @ Spokane Rockets 4 Lethbridge 9 L
Feb 22 vs. Seattle Rockets 3 Chilliwack 6 L
Feb 23 vs. Vancouver Rockets 1 Kamloops 2 SOL

Record by Month:
Month Games Record Home Road
September: 4 1-2-1-0 0-1-1-0 1-1-0-0
October: 11 5-5-0-1 3-3-0-1 2-2-0-0
November: 13 9-2-1-1 4-1-0-0 5-1-1-1
December: 12 6-4-0-2 2-1-0-0 4-3-0-2
January: 13 10-2-0-1 8-0-0-0 2-2-0-1
February: 11 0-2-0-1 0-1-0-0 0-1-0-1

Rockets Season Highs and Lows:
Most Goals Scored: 11 @ Prince George Jan 11/08 in an 11-1 win.
Most Goals Allowed: 9 vs. Lethbridge February 1/08 in a 9-4 loss.
Most Power Play Chances: 11 @ Chilliwack Feb 2/08 in a 6-3 loss, @ Swift Current Jan 25/08. The Rockets were 0/11, losing 4-0.
Most Power Play Goals Scored: 4 @ Cougars Jan 11/08 (11-1 W), vs. Cougars Jan 4/08 in a 6-0 win, @ PG Nov 10/07 (6-1 W)
Most Power Play Goals Allowed: 4 @ Vancouver Dec 29/07 (5-2 L), @ Everett Sept 29/07
Most Shots Taken: 41 @ Prince George Jan 12/08 (5-2 W).
Fewest Shots Taken: 9 @ Vancouver Sept 29/07 (5-0L)
Most Shot Allowed: 48 @ Vancouver Sept 30/07
Fewest Shots Allowed: 13 vs. Blazers Oct 30/07 (6-1 W)
Last Shutout: - Kristofer Westblom 22 saves vs. Cougars Jan 4/08 in a 6-0 win. Kristofer Westblom 28 saves vs. Calgary (5-0 W)
Last Time Shutout: - @ Swift Current Jan 25/08 – Guggenberger 30 saves (4-0 L)
Most Points by a Player: Jamie Benn had 2+4=6 vs. Prince George Jan 19/08.
Most Goals by a Player: Brady Leavold scored 4 goals vs. Prince George Jan 19/08.
Penalty Shots: Juuso Puustinen fails to score on Torrie Jung Feb 8/08 in a Rockets 2-1 shootout loss to the Blazers. Lucas Bloodoff fails to score on Justin Leclerc in 4-3 loss to Kamloops December 28th. Torrie Jung stops Bruins forward Cody Smuk in a 4-1 win in Chilliwack Dec 31/07. Torrie Jung stops Hawks forward Luke Walker Nov 17/07 in a 4-1 win in Portland. Kristofer Westblom stops Everett’s Shane Harper in a 3-2 overtime loss Nov 16/07 in Everett. Torrie Jung stopped Michal Repik in the 3rd period of a 5-0 loss Sept 29/07.
Overtime Winning Goal: Jamie Benn scored at 4:59 December 15/07 in a 3-2 win in Saskatoon. Tyler Myers scored at 3:58 of overtime December 5/07 in a 4-3 win over Medicine Hat. Colin Long scored at :44 of overtime Nov 23/07 in a 7-6 win over Kootenay. Jamie Benn scored at 1:07 of overtime Nov 2/07 in a 3-2 win over Chilliwack.
Shootout Game Winning Goals: Dylan Hood scores in a 4-3 win in Seattle October 6/07. Colin Long scored the game winner in a 2-1 win over Vancouver October 24th.

Roster Stats:
Player total: 24
Year by Year Breakdown:
20’s – 3 Westblom, McEwan, Leavold
19’s – 3 Dowzak, MacRae, Joe
18’s – 8 Long, Kytnar, L. Bloodoff, Jung, Schenn, Almond, Benn
17’s – 6 St. Denis, E. Bloodoff, McIntosh, Myers, McMillan, Hood
16’s – 4 Bowman, Barrie, Paradis, Verdino
Average Age: 17.7
Rookies – 7

NHL Draft Picks-Training Camp Attendees: Jamie Benn (Dallas 07), Torrie Jung (Tampa Bay 07), Cody Almond (Minnesota 07), Milan Kytnar (Oilers 07), Tysen Dowzak (Tryout Philadelphia).

Game Notes Compiled by Regan Bartel (AM 1150)

It's Over - And It Was Just Getting Good

• It's a shame the seasonal series between the Rockets and Blazers is over. Friday night's 2-1 shootout loss to the Blazers had a playoff type of feel to it. You saw a real dislike for one another as emotions ran high between the two teams. It's too bad it took them until game seven and eight of the seasonal series before finally getting ticked off at one another.
• With the two teams deadlocked at one goal apiece in the third, the game could have gone one of two ways. Rockets forward Cody Almond has a clear cut breakaway while killing a penalty, only to see his shot go awkwardly off his stick and wide of the net. The game remains tied. Then Blazers forward Juuso Puustinen is awarded a penalty shot in overtime after being hooked from behind by defenseman Tyson Barrie. Puustinen buckles under the pressure by staying on the forehand and missing the goal while trying to go top shelf on Torrie Jung's glove hand side.
• Both Torrie Jung and Justin Leclerc were good in this one. Leclerc was named the games first star, but Jung's third period glove hand save off of Puustinen was the best of the bunch.
• So the game goes to a shootout where Shane Wiebe is creditted with the game winner. Wiebe is the first of the 6 shooters and beats Jung with a shot low on the ice.The Rockets can't answer with misses from Cody Almond, Colin Long and Tyson Barrie.
• Again you have to feel for Rockets goaltender Torrie Jung. Jung is now 1-7 in shootouts in his career and is 0 and 5 this season. His lone shootout win came last season against...Kamloops.
• I am starting to hate the shootout even more than ever. Why? It's not because the Rockets lose (which hurts too) but the painful experience is watching the zamboni drivers get the ice right for the shootout. The zamboni drivers go up and down the ice 100 times and still can't get it right. Just clear the *&^$##@^ shooting lane and lets get on with the shootout! Friday's delay must have been a good 5 to 8 minutes between the end of overtime and the start of the shootout.
• The Blazers upped the physical game with two big hits. C.J Stretch surprised everyone including Luke Schenn with a huge hit on the Rockets d-man 6 minutes into the first period. Then Blazers d-man Nick Ross caught Rockets forward Milan Kytnar with his head down as he was skating across the Blazers blueline.
• Rockets overage forward Brady Leavold took a bad penalty by getting goated into a 10 minute misconduct at the end of the 2nd period. Leavold has some choice words for Blazers forward Mark Hall and gets manhandled by a linesman to keep the two from engaging in a fight. Leavold gets the misconduct for the yelling match, but could have gotten more as he pushes the lineman. Then with 8 minutes left in the third period - in a tie game - Leavold attempts to get revenge on Hall by giving him a headlock between the benches. Leavold recieves the only minor penalty, and gives the Blazers a chance to win the game on the power play. The move not only put his team in a bad situation, but forces the coaches to bench him for the remainder of the game - including the overtime and the shootout. A bad third period penalty is nothing new for Leavold. He was benched after taking a penalty in the third period of an eventual 4-3 shootout loss against Medicine Hat late last month. I like Leavold, and will defend him on this very blog, but he knows better than that. Leavold is far better off to be on the ice helping his team in a 1-1 game than putting them behind the eight-ball.
• Despite the shootout loss, the Rockets earned a single point, clinching a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The result of last night's game didn't matter as the Rockets would have clinched a playoff spot regardless, as Prince George fell 4-2 to the Everett Silvertips.
• I want to thank the Kelowna Rockets organization for a special birthday greeting that appeared on the video monitor at the Interior Savings Centre. Early in the 3rd period I couldn't help but notice in bold red lettering ---- Congratulations Regan Bartel as you celebrate your 40th Birthday -----

Rockets Game Notes vs. Blazers

Tonight’s Preview: The Rockets face the Blazers for the 8th and final time this season. The Rockets are 3-3-0-1 in the first seven games, having out-scored the Blazers 29-22 in the seasonal series. The Rockets are 3-1-0-0 on home ice, out-scoring Kamloops 22-10, yet are 0-2-0-1 in three appearances at Interior Savings Centre, having been out-scored 12-7 in the process. The Rockets last regulation win in Kamloops came November 14/06 in a 5-4 victory. The Rockets are coming off a 6-3 loss last Saturday in Chilliwack. Colin Long had two assists in the loss, while Tyson Barrie, Lucas Bloodoff and Myles MacRae added goals in the Rockets second straight loss. Overall the Rockets are 1-3-1-0 in their last five games. Following tonight’s game the Rockets play 6 of their next eight games on home ice. The Rockets host Chilliwack tomorrow night.

Giving Up To Many: The Rockets have given up 15 goals in their last two games. The last time the Rockets gave up 15 goals in back-to-back games was October 11/97 in a 9-9 tie with Tri City followed by a 6-2 loss six night’s later against Swift Current.

Quick Hits: The Rockets have lost two straight heading into tonight’s game in Kamloops. It’s just the third time this season the Rockets have lost back-to-back games. When was the last time? The team fell December 28th (4-3 to Kamloops) and December 29th (5-2 to Vancouver)…The Rockets longest losing streak this season is just three games. The Rockets were 2-1 losers to Spokane October 13th, before falling 4-3 to Everett on October 19th. The Rockets then dropped a 4-3 decision to Spokane October 20th.

Games Played Ticker:

Brady Leavold: 183 Colin Long: 144 Dylan Hood: 95 Tyler Myers: 116
Cody Almond: 143 Brandon McMillan: 109 Myles MacRae: 168
Kyle St. Denis: 51 Evan Bloodoff: 111 Tysen Dowzak: 150
Lucas Bloodoff: 123 Luke Schenn: 172 Colin Joe: 231

Rockets Tidbits: The Rockets have been out-scored 24-15 in their last five games…Colin Long has a 4 point lead on Mark Santorelli for the WHL points lead. Long also leads the WHL in assists with 59, 3 better than Santorelli…Jamie Benn leads WHL rookies in scoring, 6 points better than Calgary Hitmen’s T.J Galiardi and Brandon’s Brayden Schenn. Benn is out 2 weeks with a sprained ankle…Brady Leavold has goals in five of his last nine games and in 10 of his last 16.…Jamie Benn has seven-two goal games this season, but has yet to register a hat-trick…Colin Long has 25-multiple point games this season…The Rockets have scored the most power play goals in the WHL (68), three better than Vancouver’s 65….The Rockets have 17 games left in the regular season, 10 at home and 7 on the road…The Rockets have points in 9 of their last 14 road games (6-5-0-3). Cody Almond has 97 career points…A Rockets win tonight clinched a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Rockets vs. Divisions:

vs. BC: 18-9-0-1 vs. US: 6-5-2-0
vs. Central: 3-2-0-1 vs. East: 4-3-0-2

Rockets Players by Province: BC=12 US=4 ALB=3 SASK=2 MAN=1 EURO=1 Total=23

Rockets Schedule - Next 5 Games: Rockets Results - Last 5 Games:
Feb 9 vs. Chilliwack Rockets 0 Broncos 4 L
Feb 14 vs. Brandon Rockets 3 Tigers 4 SOL
Feb 16 vs. Edmonton Rockets 5 Everett 1 W
Feb 19 @ Spokane Rockets 4 Lethbridge 9 L
Feb 22 vs. Seattle Rockets 3 Chilliwack 6 L

Record by Month:
Month Games Record Home Road
September: 4 1-2-1-0 0-1-1-0 1-1-0-0
October: 11 5-5-0-1 3-3-0-1 2-2-0-0
November: 13 9-2-1-1 4-1-0-0 5-1-1-1
December: 12 6-4-0-2 2-1-0-0 4-3-0-2
January: 13 10-2-0-1 8-0-0-0 2-2-0-1
February: 11 0-2-0-0 0-1-0-0 0-1-0-0

Rockets Season Highs and Lows:
Most Goals Scored: 11 @ Prince George Jan 11/08 in an 11-1 win.
Most Goals Allowed: 9 vs. Lethbridge February 1/08 in a 9-4 loss.
Most Power Play Chances: 11 @ Chilliwack Feb 2/08 in a 6-3 loss, @ Swift Current Jan 25/08. The Rockets were 0/11, losing 4-0.
Most Power Play Goals Scored: 4 @ Cougars Jan 11/08 (11-1 W), vs. Cougars Jan 4/08 in a 6-0 win, @ PG Nov 10/07 (6-1 W)
Most Power Play Goals Allowed: 4 @ Vancouver Dec 29/07 (5-2 L), @ Everett Sept 29/07
Most Shots Taken: 41 @ Prince George Jan 12/08 (5-2 W).
Fewest Shots Taken: 9 @ Vancouver Sept 29/07 (5-0L)
Most Shot Allowed: 48 @ Vancouver Sept 30/07
Fewest Shots Allowed: 13 vs. Blazers Oct 30/07 (6-1 W)
Last Shutout: - Kristofer Westblom 22 saves vs. Cougars Jan 4/08 in a 6-0 win. Kristofer Westblom 28 saves vs. Calgary (5-0 W)
Last Time Shutout: - @ Swift Current Jan 25/08 – Guggenberger 30 saves (4-0 L)
Most Points by a Player: Jamie Benn had 2+4=6 vs. Prince George Jan 19/08.
Most Goals by a Player: Brady Leavold scored 4 goals vs. Prince George Jan 19/08.
Penalty Shots: Lucas Bloodoff fails to score on Justin Leclerc in 4-3 loss to Kamloops December 28th. Torrie Jung stops Bruins forward Cody Smuk in a 4-1 win in Chilliwack Dec 31/07. Torrie Jung stops Hawks forward Luke Walker Nov 17/07 in a 4-1 win in Portland. Kristofer Westblom stops Everett’s Shane Harper in a 3-2 overtime loss Nov 16/07 in Everett. Torrie Jung stopped Michal Repik in the 3rd period of a 5-0 loss Sept 29/07.
Overtime Winning Goal: Jamie Benn scored at 4:59 December 15/07 in a 3-2 win in Saskatoon. Tyler Myers scored at 3:58 of overtime December 5/07 in a 4-3 win over Medicine Hat. Colin Long scored at :44 of overtime Nov 23/07 in a 7-6 win over Kootenay. Jamie Benn scored at 1:07 of overtime Nov 2/07 in a 3-2 win over Chilliwack.
Shootout Game Winning Goals: Dylan Hood scores in a 4-3 win in Seattle October 6/07. Colin Long scored the game winner in a 2-1 win over Vancouver October 24th.

Roster Stats:
Player total: 24
Year by Year Breakdown:
20’s – 3 Westblom, McEwan, Leavold
19’s – 3 Dowzak, MacRae, Joe
18’s – 8 Long, Kytnar, L. Bloodoff, Jung, Schenn, Almond, Benn
17’s – 6 St. Denis, E. Bloodoff, McIntosh, Myers, McMillan, Hood
16’s – 4 Bowman, Barrie, Paradis, Verdino
Average Age: 17.7
Rookies – 7

NHL Draft Picks-Training Camp Attendees: Jamie Benn (Dallas 07), Torrie Jung (Tampa Bay 07), Cody Almond (Minnesota 07), Milan Kytnar (Oilers 07), Tysen Dowzak (Tryout Philadelphia).

Game Notes Compiled by Regan Bartel (AM 1150)

Trotter is a Non-Issue

I saw the Denver Post article Wednesday about Brock Trotter and inquired about the potential of him joining the Rockets for the remainder of the season. The fact is, it's a non-issue. Trotter played a game after January 10th, the WHL trade deadline, and under league rules any player who plays a game after the 10th with the team he is currently with - even if he is on a WHL teams protected list - is ineligable to play. So in simple terms, Brock Trotter will not be playing with the Rockets this season.

One Year of Blogging Under My Belt!

• This very blog is officially one year-old today. I made my first entry on February 7, 2007 and to say it's been a harsh learning curve would be an understatement. Why did I start a blog in the first place? I saw other NHL broadcasters doing it and followed the lead of Jon Keen and Ryan Switzer in Swift Current. I said to myself, "If those WHL broadcasters can do it, why can't I." When I reflect on my year as a blogger, I have learned many things along the way. Let me share some of them with you.


• Blogging is a lot of work. The time commitment is tremendous. I have a lot of thoughts in my head, but gathering them together to make a coherient sentence isn't easy, at least for me. Yet I made the pledge before I started this blog that it would be a regular part of my day. Updating the blog once a week just wasn't an option.


• Writing is not easy work. I have always appreciate what my sports writing brethren are able to do, so I knew the challenge ahead would be a tough one. I guess my struggles are the result of never listened to my teachers when I took high school English, and many who read this blog regularly may wonder if I indeed graduated from high school. I will admit I am lost without spell check and my sentence structure stinks. I can't hold a candle to Gregg Drinnan, Jim Swanson or Doyle Pontenteau, nor do I try. I am a radio broadcaster first, attempting to put thoughts to paper. If you are looking for tips on creative writing, sentence structure and so on, leave this blog immediately. You've been warned. If an English teacher would like to use this blog as an example of what not to do, you have my blessing.


• While this blog is not endorsed by the Kelowna Rockets hockey club, that does not give me free rein to share every deep dark secret about the team. While I deal primarily with the Rockets, and share my opinion on their play, I am sensitive to what I want to relay to the readers out in cyber space. I am aware that several WHL coaches and media occassionally read this blog, and the last thing I want to do is speak out of school on what the Rockets are doing. Have I stepped on the Rockets toes since this blog was born? I don't think so, at least not purposely. I told Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton about my desire to start one, and he had concerns. I was asked not to quote Rockets players,coaches and management on this blog and have kept my word.


• What else have I learned in my year of blogging? Be careful when poking fun at others. I did that to a colleague last season, and my friendly poke was perceived as a jab. Saying something to someone sarcastically is one thing, but getting that message across in writing, and getting it misinterpreted as a slam is usually the end result. Now when I write something the reader interprets as a slam, it is!


• I read other WHL blogs, and find everyone does an exceptional job. Think about Andy Kemper in Portland as an example. If their was a time to avoid a blog, this would have been the season for Andy. Kemper could have gotten himself into huge trouble if he expressed exactly what he saw and felt after a Hawks loss. To see that he has been able to walk the tight rope and not fall off is impressive. I applaud Gregg Drinnan in Kamloops for the work he puts into his blog. Not only does he post his stories from the Kamloops Daily News, but posts daily on happenings from around the league, plus a scoring summary at nights end.


• We all have clutch words we use in our blogs. Andy Kemper doesn't have a clutch word exactly, but uses Rush lyrics to explain his point. Interesting, yet odd. I can't see many cracks in Gregg Drinnan's blog, but the word 'terrific' is one of his favorites. Les Lazurak uses 'Bridge City Bunch' when explaining the Saskatoon Blades every chance he gets. Jon Keen in Swift Current use the word 'sorry' a lot. I'm not sure why that is? And for the life of me I still don't know who's team David Michaud is on? All joking aside, I love reading these blogs regularly and appreciate the time these gentleman put into the blogs they've created. I called you all gentleman, did you get that?


• I wish more broadcasters around the WHL had a blog, but I have a feeling many shy away at the potential trouble they see them creating. It takes balls for Kemper, Keen, Switzer, Michaud and Lazurak to express their opinions about the hockey team they follow. While most - if not all - are not paid by the team, the broadcasters work hand-in-hand to preach the virtues of the home team. The blog can be used in that manner, but can also be used in a negative way if caution isn't taken.


• I'll admit I've gotten great satisfaction from people coming up to me and saying they appreciate this very blog. Parents of the players have told me they appreciate the daily updates and the pictures that I often post here. I hope over the last year this blog has brought you some enjoyment and better insight into the team I love to follow.

Audio Blogging is Back

• The Kelowna Rockets have listed forward Jamie Benn as day-to-day on the Western Hockey League injury report. Could that mean the Rockets leading goal scorer is closer to returning than many people believe? Benn was expected to be out 2 to 3 weeks, but if he returns this weekend the 18 year-old would have missed just three games.
• Those two losses to Lethbridge and Chilliwack last weekend have the Rockets on the ropes in a quest to overtake Vancouver for the BC division points lead. The Rockets trail the Giants by seven points, when at one time the club was just 3 points off the pace. What makes matters worse is the Giants have two games in hand. You would have to think for the Rockets to have any chance of catching Don Hay's crew, wina are a must when the two teams meet twice this month (Feb 23 and 24) and next month (March 5) in Kelowna.
• Remember David Schulz? The former Rockets defenseman is in Texas playing pro hockey in the East Coast League. For those who missed the interview, here is the audio: http://www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_0281.MP3&nid=662508&
• Former Rockets goaltender Derek Yeomans is having a great season playing at the University of New Brunswick. The UNB Varsity Reds have a record of 22-1-0-1 and are rated as the top team in the nation ahead of the Unversity of Alberta Golden Bears.
• How were the Rockets built? I spoke with Rockets Assistant GM Lorne Frey on how three of the Rockets top four point producers were obtained: http://www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_0240.MP3&nid=662511&
• It didn't make the WHL plays of the week, but rookie forward Kyle St. Denis scored a beauty last week against Everett: http://www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_0304.MP3&nid=662519&
• While St. Denis was showing some spunk offensively, fellow 17 year-old Evan Bloodoff was playing with energy: http://www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_0303.MP3&nid=662522&
• New York Islanders forward Blake Comeau will join me Friday. I will post the interview once it airs on our Rockets radio broadcast against the Blazers. You can hear it Friday night at 6:30.

Former Hawk Thankful for Trade/Leavold's Buddy Speaks Out

The Lethbridge Hurricanes were in town Friday, and I wanted to speak to Nick Hotson about the situation with his former team, the Portland Winter Hawks.

"I am very relieved (to be traded to Lethbridge). It's a nice feeling to win hockey games again. I forgot how that felt being in Portland. I kinda had an idea that I'd be traded, being an older guy - a twenty year-old - I didn't think they would keep me around because their was no point since they were losing. So I thought we would get traded, and luckily we did"

When the Hawks elected not to re-sign Mike Williamson, how did that sit with the players?

"Having him coach me for my whole career in Portland was a real big change. He's a real good coach and we sure missed having him. It wasn't fair to him, and I hope he knows that. The owners wanted a new change, and thought getting a new coach would help that, but it obviously didn't".

Do you still feel for your former teammates and the struggles they are going through?

"I was there for a year and a half so I feel for them. It's hard for them to go to the rink every day and strap up their gear, but they have to just go out every game and show they want to be there. They have to at least give an effort every night and then whatever happens happens."

What was your reaction to Kurtis Mucha calling out his teammates?

"He's the heart and soul of the Portland Winter Hawks. He's the only reason why they ever won hockey games if he puts up 60 saves or lets in one or two goals. It's really tough on him and I understand where he's coming from. I don't know if I support him calling out guys, but I just hope the team gets better for his sake or he can get out of there and be on a better team for him personally."

Saturday night I spoke with Chilliwack Bruins overage forward Brandon Campos about growing up playing minor hockey with Kelowna Rockets forward Brady Leavold.

"The relationship started when we were about eight years old. His dad (Brian) was one of my first coaches and it was about my second year of hockey. He (Brady) helped me out with the rules and the equipment because it was all new to me. We played every year together with rep teams from atom until bantam and then we went our separate ways at 16".

Tell me about the minor hockey line in Port Coquitlam you played on with Brady and Everett Silvertips forward Zach Hamill?

"It was probably the best line I have ever played on. We just fed off each other. I was the center at the time and Brady was the aggressor and the goal scorer. I thought me and Hamill got in there but we were more the playmakers. Brady wanted to score more than he wanted to pass (laugh), but at the same time he'd dish us some pretty nice passes".

Are you surprised at the success Brady has had in his 20 year-old season?

"No not at all. I knew he was about to branch out any time now. Maybe in Swift Current he wasn't getting the opportunities or the ice time he is getting in Kelowna. But now he is playing on an unreal line and he is flourishing with all of the opportunities he's got".

Trapp Talks About Schenn/Myers/McMillan

Here is a transcript of a conversation I had Friday night with Phoenix Coyotes scout Barry Trapp about three Kelowna Rockets who are being considered for the NHL draft.

Luke Schenn:

"He's a guy that looks like he can step in next year. Unless you are going to pick in the top five, I don't think you are going to get him or Tyler Myers. I think Myers is right up there in that picture too. Luke is probably the most mature guy physically-wise and mentally-wise in the draft that can step in and play at the National Hockey League level."

"He keeps the game the way he should play it. He keeps it simple. He moves the puck, he's very strong in his own end. He could get stronger physically, which he will with maturity, but their are not many holes in his game."

"We want a guy who is mobile, a guy who can move the puck quickly and accurately to the forwards, and he does that. He's strong in his own end, he clears the front of the net well and he's strong in the corners. Luke has a good low shot from the point, which I would like to see him use more often, but he's the whole package."

Tyler Myers:

"If you saw him last year, you saw him this summer, you saw him at the start of this year to where he is now, it's unbelievable the strides he has taken. I mean, 6 foot 7 and he can skate. The other night he took off down the wing and he just blew by everybody. Their is no doubt about it, this kid...we were hoping he would drop down but I don't think so. I think he has a good chance to go in the top five."

"If you look at Luke Schenn right now, he is the more complete player. But you say to yourself, down the road will Tyler be better than Luke Schenn? But hey, we would be happy to have either one of them on our team. I think Myers has Chris Pronger potential. The other night he cranked a few guys. This kid is going up and up and up, so he's going to be a hell of a pick for someone."

Brandon McMillan:

"He's an honest, hardworking player. He's a good skater. The only thing with him is he has to work hard for his goals. Nothing comes natural for him. You see how many breakaways and chances he gets but...what you get is an honest hockey player - a two way guy - an excellent penalty killer and he uses his speed well both offensively and defensively. We have a good rating on him as well."

Early Season Concern Shows Up in Early February

• It was an area of concern for the Rockets heading into the 2007-2008 season, yet no one was overly shaken over the Rockets play in their own zone after 53 games, until a pair of losses this weekend. Missed assignments by the defenseman and the forwards has made the goaltenders look silly at times. Look for the Rockets to iron out those problems this week in practice.
• Over the last two games the Rockets defensive core is a combined minus 18. Luke Schenn leads the way at -5, followed by Tyson Barrie, Colin Joe and Tysen Dowzak at -3.
• You have to wonder if the harsh schedule is a factor in the teams recent laps in judgment defensively? The month of January saw the team play 13 games in 29 nights. The Rockets had success over that period, but the defensive core was stretched for the early portion of January with the loss of Schenn (World Juniors) and Barrie (Under 17's). Despite the loss of those two players, the teams commitment to defense remained intact.
• The Rockets have given up 15 goals in their last two games. The last time the Rockets have up 15 goals in consecutive games was October 11, 1997 in a 9-9 tie with the Tri City Americans. The Rockets would again lose 6 night's later with a 6-2 loss in Swift Current.
• The Rockets are 1-3-0-1 in their last 5 games.
• Up until this weekend the last time the Rockets had lost back-to-back games was December 28 (4-3 to Kamloops) and December 29 (5-2 to Vancouver).
• The Rockets have lost back-to-back games only three times this season. The Rockets longest losing streak of the season is just three games, set October 13th with a 2-1 loss to Spokane, followed by a 4-3 loss to Everett October 19th and then a 4-3 setback to the Chiefs October 20th.
• They say practice makes perfect. The Rockets have 4 days on the ice before facing the Blazers in Kamloops on Friday.

A 'Caning' for the Kelowna Rockets

• It's a practice seen only in Singapore, but Kelowna Rockets fans saw the home team caned Friday night, no not by a bamboo stick but by a Lethbridge Hurricanes hockey stick. The Canes received the start they needed from their number one line just 30 seconds into the game, as Mitch Fadden, Zach Boychuk and Colton Sceviour set the tempo with a great first shift, and sent a message to the Rockets that they were in for a long night. The Fadden, Boychuk, Sceviour line combined for 9 points. Boychuk, of Canadian World Junior gold medalist fame, had 2 goals and 2 assists.
• The Kelowna Rockets picked an inoppertune time to put in a bad effort. The Lethbridge Hurricanes, one of the hottest teams in the WHL with points now in 12 of their last 13 games, made the most of their chances and pumelled the Rockets 9-4. The loss snapped the Rockets 8 game home ice winning streak. What's interesting is the Rockets gave up just 11 goals during the 8 game winning streak. On this night they gave up 9 goals in just one game.
• The Rockets have given up 9 goals before on home ice, but only once at Prospera Place up until Friday night. The Rockets were a 9-6 loser on home ice to Spokane January 31/02. The Rockets also fell 9-7 to Prince George at home, November 29/97. What's the worst home ice loss for the Rockets in recent memory? The Seattle Thunderbirds beat the Rockets 10-4 back on December 27, 1996. That game was played at the old Memorial Arena.
• Sixteen year-old Tyson Barrie was the only Rockets defenseman not in the minus after this one. Barrie was even in the game, and collected two assists. Veterans Tysen Dowzak and Luke Schenn were responsible in attempting to keep the Hurricanes top line in check, but ended up being a combined -6. The Rockets defensive core was a combined -10.
• Starting goaltender Torrie Jung gave up 3 goals on three shots before being yanked by head coach Ryan Huska. Veteran Kristofer Westblom didn't fair much better giving up 6 goals on 20 shots. Huska says despite Jung's efforts, he will likely be given the start Saturday in Chilliwack.
• Lucas Bloodoff was a minus 3 in the game, yet snapped out of an 11 game goal scoring drought with a pair of goals.
• Many have suggested this was a preview of what could be next years WHL final. Clearly the Hurricanes are still a year away from being the team to beat, while the Rockets are still a year away from contending for a league title. Both teams have 7 players - 18 years of age. If that is indeed the case, lets hope the series isn't as lopsided as last night's affair.
• It's nice to see the Hurricanes near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Bottom line is, they are do. The Hurricanes haven't won a league title since 1996-97. Since that championship season, the Hurricanes have missed the playoffs 3 times and have been a first round casualty 6 times.
• The Hurricanes have out-scored their BC division opponents 30-10 on this road trip. The Hurricanes have beaten the Rockets 9-4, Kamloops 8-1, Chilliwack 3-2 in a shootout and Prince George 9-0. The only loss was to Vancouver, 3-1.

Rockets Game Notes vs. Hurricanes

Tonight’s Preview: The Rockets face the Lethbridge Hurricanes for the second and final time this season. These two teams met December 7th in Lethbridge with the Hurricanes earning a 3-2 shootout win. The Rockets received a goal and an assist from Colin Long and Jamie Benn, while Torrie Jung made 26 saves in the setback. The Rockets were 0/5 on the power play while the Hurricanes were 0/7 with the extra man. In the Hurricanes last stop at Prospera Place back on February 23/07, Kyle Bailey had three assists in a 5-3 win. The Rockets are just 5-5-0-0 against the Hurricanes in their last 10 visits to Kelowna. The Rockets last shutout the Hurricanes at home on December 30/04 as Derek Yeomans made 20 saves in a 2-0 win. The most lopsided victory for the Rockets against the Hurricanes at Prospera Place was an 8-0 drubbing back on October 11/02. Following tonight’s game the Rockets are in Chilliwack tomorrow night before traveling to Kamloops next Friday.

A January to Remember: The Rockets ended the month of January 10-2-0-1 in 13 games. It was the best January in Kelowna Rockets franchise history. Last season the Rockets were just 3-8-2-0 in January. The Rockets were a surprising 6-4-0-1 in January in 2005-2006, and were 8-2-1-0 in 2004-2005. The Rockets were 8-4-1-0 in January of the 2003-2004 season.

Home Cooking: The Rockets are riding a season high 8 game home ice winning streak. The Rockets had an 11 game home ice winning streak during the 2005-2006 season from November 9th to January 7th. The Rockets also had an 11 game home ice winning streak from December 8/04 to February 2/05. The greatest home ice success this franchise has ever had was a 28 game unbeaten streak during the 2004-2005 campaign.

Home/Road Success:
Player Home Points Road Points
Colin Long: 41/38 *Long has 14 goals on the road
Jamie Benn: 30/30 * Benn has 14 goals on the road
Brady Leavold: 27/26 * Leavold has 13 goals at home – two fewer than Benn’s 15.
Cody Almond: 29/21 * Almond has 9 goals at home and 9 on the road.
The only Rockets with more points on the road than at home is Kyle St. Denis with 16 points at home and 18 on opposition ice. Dylan Hood has 9 points on the road, and just 6 on home ice. Seven of Hood’s 9 goals this season have been on opposition ice.

Red Hot Rockets: Colin Long has points in 15 of his last 19 games (7+27=34). Jamie Benn leads the team in power play goals with 13. Cody Almond has been held off the score-sheet just three times in 16 games since the Christmas break. Goaltender Torrie Jung has helped the Rockets earn points in 11 of his last 13 starts. The Rockets have opened up the scoring in 12 of their last 13 games.

Rockets Tidbits: Colin Long has a 3 point lead on Mark Santorelli for the WHL points lead. The two top scorers in the league hook up tomorrow night. Long also leads the WHL in assists with 56, 3 better than Santorelli…Jamie Benn leads WHL rookies in scoring, 9 points better than Calgary Hitmen’s T.J Galiardi. Benn is out 3 weeks with a sprained ankle…Brady Leavold has goals in five of his last seven games and in 10 of his last 14. Leavold and Benn lead the WHL in plus/minus with +31…Jamie Benn has seven-two goal games this season, but has yet to register a hat-trick…Colin Long has 24-multiple point games this season…The Rockets are just one of three teams this season with over 300 power play chances. Everett leads the way (331) followed by Kelowna (304) and Lethbridge (303)…The Rockets have scored the most power play goals in the WHL (63), one better than Vancouver’s 62….The Rockets have 19 games left in the regular season, 11 at home and 8 on the road…The Rockets have won 8 straight at home, with their last setback being a 4-3 loss to Kamloops on December 28th. The Rockets have out-scored their opponent 42-11 in those eight home games…The Rockets have points in 9 of their last 13 road games (6-4-0-3).…Rockets defenseman Tyler Myers turns 18 today.

Rockets vs. Divisions:

vs. BC: 18-8-0-1 vs. US: 6-5-2-0
vs. Central: 3-1-0-1 vs. East: 4-3-0-2

Rockets Players by Province: BC=12 US=4 ALB=3 SASK=2 MAN=1 EURO=1 Total=23

Rockets Schedule - Next 5 Games: Rockets Results - Last 5 Games:
Feb 2 @ Chilliwack Rockets 6 Prince George 3 W
Feb 8 @ Kamloops Rockets 9 Hawks 2 W
Feb 9 vs. Chilliwack Rockets 0 Broncos 4 L
Feb 14 vs. Brandon Rockets 3 Tigers 4 SOL
Feb 16 vs. Edmonton Rockets 5 Everett 1 W

Record by Month:
Month Games Record Home Road
September: 4 1-2-1-0 0-1-1-0 1-1-0-0
October: 11 5-5-0-1 3-3-0-1 2-2-0-0
November: 13 9-2-1-1 4-1-0-0 5-1-1-1
December: 12 6-4-0-2 2-1-0-0 4-3-0-2
January: 13 10-2-0-1 8-0-0-0 2-2-0-1
February: 11 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0

Rockets Season Highs and Lows:
Most Goals Scored: 11 @ Prince George Jan 11/08 in an 11-1 win.
Most Goals Allowed: 6 vs. Kootenay Nov 23/07 (7-6 OTW), @ Tri City November 21/07 (6-1 L)
Most Power Play Chances: 11 @ Swift Current Jan 25/08. The Rockets were 0/11, losing 4-0.
Most Power Play Goals Scored: 4 @ Cougars Jan 11/08 (11-1 W), vs. Cougars Jan 4/08 in a 6-0 win, @ PG Nov 10/07 (6-1 W)
Most Power Play Goals Allowed: 4 @ Vancouver Dec 29/07 (5-2 L), @ Everett Sept 29/07
Most Shots Taken: 41 @ Prince George Jan 12/08 (5-2 W).
Fewest Shots Taken: 9 @ Vancouver Sept 29/07 (5-0L)
Most Shot Allowed: 48 @ Vancouver Sept 30/07
Fewest Shots Allowed: 13 vs. Blazers Oct 30/07 (6-1 W)
Last Shutout: - Kristofer Westblom 22 saves vs. Cougars Jan 4/08 in a 6-0 win. Kristofer Westblom 28 saves vs. Calgary (5-0 W)
Last Time Shutout: - @ Swift Current Jan 25/08 – Guggenberger 30 saves (4-0 L)
Most Points by a Player: Jamie Benn had 2+4=6 vs. Prince George Jan 19/08.
Most Goals by a Player: Brady Leavold scored 4 goals vs. Prince George Jan 19/08.
Penalty Shots: Lucas Bloodoff fails to score on Justin Leclerc in 4-3 loss to Kamloops December 28th. Torrie Jung stops Bruins forward Cody Smuk in a 4-1 win in Chilliwack Dec 31/07. Torrie Jung stops Hawks forward Luke Walker Nov 17/07 in a 4-1 win in Portland. Kristofer Westblom stops Everett’s Shane Harper in a 3-2 overtime loss Nov 16/07 in Everett. Torrie Jung stopped Michal Repik in the 3rd period of a 5-0 loss Sept 29/07.
Overtime Winning Goal: Jamie Benn scored at 4:59 December 15/07 in a 3-2 win in Saskatoon. Tyler Myers scored at 3:58 of overtime December 5/07 in a 4-3 win over Medicine Hat. Colin Long scored at :44 of overtime Nov 23/07 in a 7-6 win over Kootenay. Jamie Benn scored at 1:07 of overtime Nov 2/07 in a 3-2 win over Chilliwack.
Shootout Game Winning Goals: Dylan Hood scores in a 4-3 win in Seattle October 6/07. Colin Long scored the game winner in a 2-1 win over Vancouver October 24th.

Roster Stats:
Player total: 24
Year by Year Breakdown:
20’s – 3 Westblom, McEwan, Leavold
19’s – 3 Dowzak, MacRae, Joe
18’s – 8 Long, Kytnar, L. Bloodoff, Jung, Schenn, Almond, Benn
17’s – 6 St. Denis, E. Bloodoff, McIntosh, Myers, McMillan, Hood
16’s – 4 Bowman, Barrie, Paradis, Verdino
Average Age: 17.7
Rookies – 7

NHL Draft Picks-Training Camp Attendees: Jamie Benn (Dallas 07), Torrie Jung (Tampa Bay 07), Cody Almond (Minnesota 07), Milan Kytnar (Oilers 07), Tysen Dowzak (Tryout Philadelphia).

Game Notes Compiled by Regan Bartel (AM 1150)