He scored arguably one of the biggest goals in franchise history at the 2004 Memorial Cup, but Randall Gelech is sitting idle in the Okanagan looking to join a team. Gelech was at Rockets practice Tuesday where I discussed his next move.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Barrie Back!
Defenseman Tyson Barrie was skating with the team during this afternoons late day practice. The 18 year-old has missed the last 8 games with lower body injury. Barrie was injured in the 3rd game of the season against the Kamloops Blazers. It would appear Barrie will be ready to play when the Rockets open a stretch of three games in three nights this weekend.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Things that make me go hmm...
- What did Chilliwack Bruins head coach Marc Habscheid say to his troops after back-to-back losses to the Rockets in early October? Since those humbling losses the Bruins have a record of 2-0-1-2 in their last five games. Going undefeated would be impressive, but recording points in five straight games ain't bad!
- Am I the only one outside of Portland happy to see the Winterhawks winning hockey games? This is a good team with a solid coach. It's amazing how stability off the ice translates into success on it.
- How did the Hawks pull 17 year-old Nino Niederreiter out of Switzerland? Was this just blindly throwing a dart at a board or should the organization receive credit for making a well calculated find? My hope is the Hawks targeted this player and were right on the money. The CHL Euro Draft is such a crap shoot with many of the players coming over to North American falling well short of expectations.
- Any player, no matter what age is considered a rookie in the WHL if he is in his first season of junior hockey. Chuck Kobasew was considered a rookie when he scored 41 goals for the Rockets as a 19 year-olds in 2001-2002. That said, its the 16 year-olds that put up big numbers in their first season of junior eligibility that should be considered for the rookie of the year honors at the end of the season. Red Deer's Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Kelowna's Shane McColgan are two sensational 16 year-old rookies worth watching. I would hate to see a phenomenal first year player being edged out by a 19 year-old rookie who decided to leave U-S college hockey to play major junior.
- You won't find him among the top 20 point getters in the WHL, but pay attention to Swift Current Broncos forward Cody Eakin. Nine goals in 12 games is a strong start for a player who scored 24 goals last season. Eakin scores goals in bunches with 3-two goal games so far this season.
- What's in the water in Moose Jaw? Four players are in the top 13 in league scoring. Wow. How about this fact. Since the start of the 2002-03 season the Warriors have had a player in the top ten in scoring at seasons end, excluding only the 2008-09 campaign. That's a top ten scorer in 6 of the last 7 seasons. Those players are David Bararuk, Kyle Brodziak, Kenndal McArdle, Tory Brouwer, Riley Holzapfel and Jordon Knackstedt.
- Ian Duval is enjoying his first season of Canadian college hockey at the University of Manitoba. The former Rocket has 0+4=4 in 6 games with the Bisons, which is good for second in Canada-West rookie scoring.
- Where is Tyler Spurgeon hanging his hat these days? Spurgeon was not offered a contract by the NHL's Edmonton Oilers this fall but has since landed in the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads. Spurgeon, who captained the Rockets to a WHL title in 2005, has 1+4=5 in just three games, which is good for the team scoring lead. Spurgeon is playing with former Rockets forward Marty Flichel.
- Where is Tysen Dowzak? The oldest player from last years Rockets championship team has just been set to the Central Hockey League's Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.
- I may be a little biased here, but does Prospera Place have the best off-ice staff in the WHL? I think so. A pain of glass needed to be installed creating a stoppage in play Saturday night. How long did it take? Four minutes on the nose. Impressive.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Tips trip up Rockets
- How good are the Everett Silvertips? If Saturday night's 5-4 come-from-behind win over the Kelowna Rockets was any indication, this skilled team does not panic when the chips are down. It's the sign of a veteran hockey club. Despite trailing 4-2 with 13 minutes left in the second period the Silvertips managed to battle back with the final three goals of the game in the one goal victory.
- The Rockets could have put the dagger in the Tips heart when Stepan Novotny was awarded a second period penalty shot with the home team leading 4-3. Novotny misses, sending the two teams to the dressing room separated by just a single goal. Missed opportunities from the Rockets side and capitalizing on chances given up by the home team essentially was the difference in this one.
- The Rockets missed a golden opportunity when rookie Jessey Astles fired the puck towards an open net only to have Tips defenseman Alex Theriau make the save. The offensive chance was made possible after Tips goaltender Thomas Heemskerk miss played a puck in his own zone.
- The momentum began to turn in the Tips favor after Cameron Abney's goal at the nine minute mark of the third period to tie the game at 4. After the goal was scored the Rockets played tight, almost sensing that the Tips were about to score. Score they did on a shot that deflected off of a Rockets defender and on the stick of Everett forward Kellan Tochkin. The power play goal gave the Tips their first lead of the game with just under 7 minutes left in regulation time.
- He won't get much credit after the game, but Tips goaltender Thomas Heemskerk made some terrific saves to keep his team close. Without Heemskerks heroics, a third period rally wouldn't have been possible.
- The game winning goal was scored when Rockets rookie defenseman Mitchell Chapman was fingered to the penalty box for elbowing. Questionable call to say the least, but you can't put the blame on the officials for the final outcome. The Rockets were given 9 power play chances, plus a penalty shot on a weak call where the one official believed Heemskerk threw his stick at a Rockets forward during a wrap around chance. The home team was given ample opportunities to put the game out of reach, yet they couldn't do it. The Rockets had about seven minutes to tie the game but couldn't find the back of the net.
- Mitchell Chapman returned to the lineup after missing 7 games with an injury suffered in the third game of the season against Kamloops.
- I am still confused over the new rules in regards to fighting. Rockets defenseman Curt Gogol gets into a punch-up with Everett forward Cameron Abney 3 seconds after the Tips score a power play goal to make it 3-2. Essentially it's off the face-off following the Tips goal. Is that not a pre-meditated fight or do Gogol and Abney get pissed off at each other even though neither were on the ice when the goal was scored? Both received 5 minute majors for fighting.
- Rockets forward Shane McColgan is the real deal. The 16 year-old now leads the WHL in points by a rookie and appears to be getting better every game I see him play. His ability to skate, play make and get involved physically just makes you shake your head. He is one special player that will have more than just Rockets fans talking as the season moves along.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Rockets game notes vs. Tips (Saturday)
Tonight’s Preview: The Rockets and Tips are meeting for the first of just four times this season (2 at home and 2 on the road). These two teams will meet again November 13 in Everett before the Rockets make a return visit on December 2nd. The two teams conclude the seasonal series January 6th at Prospera Place. These two teams met four times last season with the Rockets recording a 3-1-0-0 record. The only loss came in an 8-6 setback in Everett October 17/08. The Rockets enter tonight’s game with one loss in their last seven games. The club’s season high six game winning streak came to an end Tuesday with a 4-2 loss to Tri City. During that stretch the Rockets had out-scored the opposition 33-13. Following tonight’s game the Rockets are in Tri City Friday, host Vancouver Saturday before visiting the Giants on Sunday. Tonight’s game is the conclusion of a three game home stand.
Tipping over the Tips: The Rockets have had no lack of success at home since the Everett Silvertips came into the league in 2003-2004. The Rockets are 8-4-0-0 in 12 regular season meetings at Prospera Place. The Tips last win in Kelowna was October 19/07 in a 4-3 win. Dan Gendur scored the game winning goal at the 2:58 mark of the third period.
What Happened Last Game? Kyle St. Denis scored twice in the Rockets 4-2 home ice loss to Tri City Tuesday night. Jarrett Toll had a goal and an assist in the win for the Americans, who were out-shot 32-23. The Rockets were 2/4 on the power play while the Am’s were 1/1. Adam Brown made his 10th straight start and suffered the loss in goal.
‘Power’ to the people: The Rockets have scored fourteen power play goals (14/36=39%) in their last seven games. The Rockets have scored a power play goal in nine of the ten games this season. The Rockets were 0/8 in a 4-1 loss in Kamloops September 25th.
Who’s Hot – Who’s Not: Brandon McMillan has points in all eight games he’s played this season, but is sidelined 3 weeks with a cracked bone in his foot. McMillan has 4+11=15 this season. Stepan Novotny has points in 8 of the 10 games this season. Shane McColgan is riding a seven game point streak (4+8=12). Mitchell Callahan has points in five of his last seven games (2+5=7). Kyle St. Denis has ten points in his last six games (6+4=10). Lucas Bloodoff has goals in five of his last eight games.
Game Day Tidbits: Rockets 16 year-old Shane McColgan is second in rookie scoring in the WHL (4+9=13), just one point fewer that Red Deer’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins…Veteran defenseman Tyson Barrie has missed 7 straight games after being injured September 25th in Kamloops…Spencer Main already has more points (6) than he had in 61 games all of last season. Main had three points (1+2=3) as a rookie in 2008/09…Main has points in 4 of his last 5 games. Main has 2+4=6 over that period…The Rockets are 6-3-1-0 after ten games this season. Last year the Rockets were 5-5-0-0 after ten games…The Rockets have scored 42 goals in ten games this season after scoring 37 times in the teams first ten games one season ago…The Rockets have allowed 33 goals against this season after surrendering 37 goals after ten games last year…Ryan Huska has 91 regular season victories as the Rockets head coach …The Rockets have participated in 27 shootout games since the new format was implemented for the start of the 2005/06 season. The Rockets are 12 and 15…Former Rockets defenseman Tyler Myers scored his first NHL goal Friday night in the Buffalo Sabres 6-3 win over the New York Islanders. Myers was named the games 3rd star. Myers has 1+3=4 in five NHL games…The Rockets have scored the second most power play goals in the WHL (Tied for 2nd with 16 power play goals) only behind Vancouver’s league leading 18.
Tipping over the Tips: The Rockets have had no lack of success at home since the Everett Silvertips came into the league in 2003-2004. The Rockets are 8-4-0-0 in 12 regular season meetings at Prospera Place. The Tips last win in Kelowna was October 19/07 in a 4-3 win. Dan Gendur scored the game winning goal at the 2:58 mark of the third period.
What Happened Last Game? Kyle St. Denis scored twice in the Rockets 4-2 home ice loss to Tri City Tuesday night. Jarrett Toll had a goal and an assist in the win for the Americans, who were out-shot 32-23. The Rockets were 2/4 on the power play while the Am’s were 1/1. Adam Brown made his 10th straight start and suffered the loss in goal.
‘Power’ to the people: The Rockets have scored fourteen power play goals (14/36=39%) in their last seven games. The Rockets have scored a power play goal in nine of the ten games this season. The Rockets were 0/8 in a 4-1 loss in Kamloops September 25th.
Who’s Hot – Who’s Not: Brandon McMillan has points in all eight games he’s played this season, but is sidelined 3 weeks with a cracked bone in his foot. McMillan has 4+11=15 this season. Stepan Novotny has points in 8 of the 10 games this season. Shane McColgan is riding a seven game point streak (4+8=12). Mitchell Callahan has points in five of his last seven games (2+5=7). Kyle St. Denis has ten points in his last six games (6+4=10). Lucas Bloodoff has goals in five of his last eight games.
Game Day Tidbits: Rockets 16 year-old Shane McColgan is second in rookie scoring in the WHL (4+9=13), just one point fewer that Red Deer’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins…Veteran defenseman Tyson Barrie has missed 7 straight games after being injured September 25th in Kamloops…Spencer Main already has more points (6) than he had in 61 games all of last season. Main had three points (1+2=3) as a rookie in 2008/09…Main has points in 4 of his last 5 games. Main has 2+4=6 over that period…The Rockets are 6-3-1-0 after ten games this season. Last year the Rockets were 5-5-0-0 after ten games…The Rockets have scored 42 goals in ten games this season after scoring 37 times in the teams first ten games one season ago…The Rockets have allowed 33 goals against this season after surrendering 37 goals after ten games last year…Ryan Huska has 91 regular season victories as the Rockets head coach …The Rockets have participated in 27 shootout games since the new format was implemented for the start of the 2005/06 season. The Rockets are 12 and 15…Former Rockets defenseman Tyler Myers scored his first NHL goal Friday night in the Buffalo Sabres 6-3 win over the New York Islanders. Myers was named the games 3rd star. Myers has 1+3=4 in five NHL games…The Rockets have scored the second most power play goals in the WHL (Tied for 2nd with 16 power play goals) only behind Vancouver’s league leading 18.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Going with two..
The Kelowna Rockets will play this season with just two - 20 year-olds, barring a trade of course. The Western Hockey League overage deadline came to an end Thursday with the Rockets failing to add an additional 20 year-old to their roster. A spot was made available when overage forward Colin Long managed to earn a pro contract and opened the season with the San Antonio Rampage. By my calculation the Rockets are one of just two teams in the WHL under the league limit. The other is the Kootenay Ice, who are also playing with two.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Winning ways fall by the wayside
- The Tri City Americans are a team that capitalizes on mistakes. The Kelowna Rockets found that out first hand in a 4-2 loss Tuesday night at Prospera Place. Jarrett Toll scored once and added an assist as the Americans won for the 4th straight time while handing the Rockets their first loss in 7 games.
- Kyle St. Denis scored both of the Rockets goals. Both came on the power play, as the Rockets went 2/4 with the man advantage. The Rockets took only one minor penalty, a hooking minor to Spencer Main in the second period. Despite the disciplined play, the Americans scored on that single power play when Sergei Drozd scored on a beautiful pass from Brooks Macek to make it 3-0.
- The best goal of the game came when Americans forward Johnny Lazo used his great speed by beating two defenseman before making a forehand deke to beat goaltender Adam Brown. Lazo's goal made it 4-1 for the visitors.
- The save of the game came when Americans goaltender Drew Owsley stacked his pads making a magnificent save off of Rockets forward Stepan Novotny. The save was made when the Americans were holding a 3-1 lead. You don't often see saves like that, but the desperation play was recognized by Prospera Place video screen when the letters came across saying "Great Save".
- I've only seen Owsley twice, but from what I've witnessed he can carry the mail. I questioned the Americans goaltending at the start of the year, but not any more.
- The game was perfectly called by Chris Savage and Derek Zalaski. This game was not over officiated, nor did it need to be. Both teams often skated away after whistles with both teams respective each others power play.
- It was great running into so many familiar faces before puck drop. With the GM/Governor meetings taking place in Kelowna this week, it was nice to see Moose Jaw Warriors GM Jeff Truitt, Brandon's Kelly McCrimmon and Swift Current Broncos governor Ben Wiebe. I will post my interview with Truitt later today.
- Collin Bowman's mom and dad took in Tuesday's game as did Adam Brown's dad Newell.
- As I posted earlier, Brandon McMillan has a broken foot, but its a hairline fracture. That means McMillan is wearing a soft cast which has him out of the lineup for a maximum of 3 weeks.
McMillan breaks foot
Rockets forward Brandon McMillan won't play tonight after breaking his foot against Prince George Saturday night. McMillan will be out 2 to 3 weeks.
Rockets game notes vs. Americans
Tonight’s Preview: The Rockets and Americans are meeting for the second time this season. These two teams met back on September 19th, with the Am’s recording a 6-1 win. Following tonight’s game these two teams hook up on October 23rd in Tri City. The seasonal series concludes December 5th at Prospera Place when the Americans make a visit. The Rockets enter tonight’s game having won six straight, having out-scored the opposition 33-13. During the streak the Rockets have averaged 5.5 goals per game. Following tonight’s game the Rockets entertaining the Everett Silvertips on Saturday. The Rockets are playing the second game of a three game home stand tonight.
Making Hay while the Sun Shines: The Kelowna Rockets will play 7 of their next 9 games on home ice. The only exception is a road game in Tri City next Friday and a road game in Vancouver on Sunday October 25th. Following seven of nine games on home ice, the Rockets will then play 14 of their next 19 games before Christmas on the road.
Looking Long Term: The Rockets are just 3-3-2-0 in their last eight regular season home games against the Americans dating back to the start of the 2005-2006 season. The Americans used to make three stops in Kelowna per season, but that all ended after the 2004-2005 campaign. That season the Rockets were 3-0-0-0 vs. the Am’s.
What Happened Last Game? Brandon McMillan scored twice leading the Rockets to a 7-1 win Saturday night over the Prince George Cougars. Shane McColgan, Lucas Bloodoff, Cody Chikie, Collin Bowman and Spencer Main also scored in the lopsided win. The Rockets were 2 for 4 on the power play with Adam Brown earning his 6th straight win in goal.
‘Power’ to the people: The Rockets have scored twelve power play goals (12/32=37.5%) in their last six games. The Rockets have scored a power play goal in eight of the nine games this season. The Rockets were 0/8 in a 4-1 loss in Kamloops September 25th.
Who’s Hot – Who’s Not: Brandon McMillan has points in all eight games he’s played this season. McMillan has 4+11=15 this season. Stepan Novotny has points in 7 of the 9 games this season. Shane McColgan is riding a six game point streak (4+7=11). Mitchell Callahan has points in four of his last six games (2+4=6). Kyle St. Denis has eight points in his last five games (4+4=8). Lucas Bloodoff has goals in five of his last seven games.
Game Day Tidbits: The Americans are returning to Prospera Place for the first time since last years Western Conference Semi Final. The Rockets beat the Americans in all three home games in that series by scores of 7-2, 4-3 in overtime and 6-2. The Rockets would win that playoff series in six games…Rockets 16 year-old Shane McColgan is tied for the league lead in points for rookies…When calculating goals for and against, the Rockets have a +11 rating, tops in the league. The Rockets +11 is tied with Moose Jaw and Calgary…Veteran defenseman Tyson Barrie has missed 6 straight games after being injured September 25th in Kamloops…Spencer Main already has more points (5) than he had in 61 games all of last season. Main had three points (1+2=3) as a rookie in 2008/09…The Rockets completed a trade with the Swift Current Broncos last Friday. The Rockets picked up 18 year-old goaltender Chad Ketting for a conditional 7th round bantam pick…The Rockets are 6-2-1-0 after nine games this season. Last year the Rockets were 4-5-0-0 after nine games…The Rockets have scored 40 goals in nine games this season after scoring 29 times in the teams first nine games one season ago…The Rockets have allowed 29 goals against this season after surrendering 36 goals after nine games last year…Ryan Huska has 91 regular season victories…The Rockets have participated in 27 shootout games since the new format was implemented for the start of the 2005/06 season. The Rockets are 12 and 15.
Making Hay while the Sun Shines: The Kelowna Rockets will play 7 of their next 9 games on home ice. The only exception is a road game in Tri City next Friday and a road game in Vancouver on Sunday October 25th. Following seven of nine games on home ice, the Rockets will then play 14 of their next 19 games before Christmas on the road.
Looking Long Term: The Rockets are just 3-3-2-0 in their last eight regular season home games against the Americans dating back to the start of the 2005-2006 season. The Americans used to make three stops in Kelowna per season, but that all ended after the 2004-2005 campaign. That season the Rockets were 3-0-0-0 vs. the Am’s.
What Happened Last Game? Brandon McMillan scored twice leading the Rockets to a 7-1 win Saturday night over the Prince George Cougars. Shane McColgan, Lucas Bloodoff, Cody Chikie, Collin Bowman and Spencer Main also scored in the lopsided win. The Rockets were 2 for 4 on the power play with Adam Brown earning his 6th straight win in goal.
‘Power’ to the people: The Rockets have scored twelve power play goals (12/32=37.5%) in their last six games. The Rockets have scored a power play goal in eight of the nine games this season. The Rockets were 0/8 in a 4-1 loss in Kamloops September 25th.
Who’s Hot – Who’s Not: Brandon McMillan has points in all eight games he’s played this season. McMillan has 4+11=15 this season. Stepan Novotny has points in 7 of the 9 games this season. Shane McColgan is riding a six game point streak (4+7=11). Mitchell Callahan has points in four of his last six games (2+4=6). Kyle St. Denis has eight points in his last five games (4+4=8). Lucas Bloodoff has goals in five of his last seven games.
Game Day Tidbits: The Americans are returning to Prospera Place for the first time since last years Western Conference Semi Final. The Rockets beat the Americans in all three home games in that series by scores of 7-2, 4-3 in overtime and 6-2. The Rockets would win that playoff series in six games…Rockets 16 year-old Shane McColgan is tied for the league lead in points for rookies…When calculating goals for and against, the Rockets have a +11 rating, tops in the league. The Rockets +11 is tied with Moose Jaw and Calgary…Veteran defenseman Tyson Barrie has missed 6 straight games after being injured September 25th in Kamloops…Spencer Main already has more points (5) than he had in 61 games all of last season. Main had three points (1+2=3) as a rookie in 2008/09…The Rockets completed a trade with the Swift Current Broncos last Friday. The Rockets picked up 18 year-old goaltender Chad Ketting for a conditional 7th round bantam pick…The Rockets are 6-2-1-0 after nine games this season. Last year the Rockets were 4-5-0-0 after nine games…The Rockets have scored 40 goals in nine games this season after scoring 29 times in the teams first nine games one season ago…The Rockets have allowed 29 goals against this season after surrendering 36 goals after nine games last year…Ryan Huska has 91 regular season victories…The Rockets have participated in 27 shootout games since the new format was implemented for the start of the 2005/06 season. The Rockets are 12 and 15.
Monday, October 12, 2009
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