Adam eyes Wednesday's debut with Oilers

• Kelowna Rockets goaltender Adam Brown will see his first game action with the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night at the Young Stars tournament in Penticton. The Oilers face the Calgary Flames on that night. Brown will back up Tyler Bunz Tuesday night when Edmonton faces the Winnipeg Jets rookies. Brown is rooming with Olivier Roy during the tournament.
• I will be in Penticton tomorrow night to watch the Oilers-Jets game. It will be a chance to catch up with Brian Munz, who is now the voice of the Winnipeg Jets and is calling the games on radio at the Young Stars tournament.
• Head Coach Ryan Huska and GM Bruce Hamilton will be in Calgary Tuesday to get a clearer understanding of how the WHL plans to tackle blows to the head. The league will unveil the seven point plan they have come up with. I am just wondering how a blow to the head penalty will look like when the referee makes the call in a game and translates that through sign language to the off-ice officials and the awaiting fans that are wondering why a penalty was called.
• My understanding is a blow to the head can result in a two minute minor or a five minute major.    
• It will be interesting to see if the coaches are held somewhat responsible for the actions of their players when it comes to head shots. Do coaches face fines or suspensions if their players step out of line? Guess we will find out.
• I was asked the other day why I often gravitate to some players rather than others when it comes to radio interviews. The honest truth is I go with the players that best express themselves. Ask any member of the media and they will tell you a three word answer by a player is a quick way of sending a message to the interviewer that they likely won't have this one sided conversation again. If a player wants media attention, he needs to express himself, or in a worst case scenario, give it an honest shot.
• The best example of a new player who has really come a long way when it comes to interviews is 16 year-old Tyson Baillie. I interviewed Baillie last season when he joined the Rockets in Kamloops as a 15 year-old. He was shy and honestly had little to say, but what a difference just a couple of months make. Baillie won't be hosting his own talk show anytime soon, but the rookie forward has made some huge strides in expressing himself which makes for a more interesting subject to interview. Maturity has a lot to do with improving ones interviewing skills, but I've spoken to many 19 year-old veterans that just can't carry a conversation. I know these players are here to play hockey, not shine when the mic or TV camera is in their face, but improving your public relation/media relation skills is part of being a pro player.  
• My understanding is the Rockets are still using their old elbow and shoulder pads during the pre-season. That will all change when the new softer capped elbow and shoulder pads are implemented for the start of the regular season.
• I had a good conversation with Rockets goaltendering coach Kim Dillabaugh Monday morning at the arena. 'Dilly' is a class act and pleasure to be around. I have respect for his ability to help both Adam Brown and Jordon Cooke perfect their craft. I hope both goaltenders realize how fortunate they are to have Dillabaugh in their back pocket. 
• It is amazing the success the Rockets have had when it comes to 20 year-old goalies. Mark Guggenberger, Kris Westblom, Derek Yeomans (traded in 20 yr old season), Kevin Swanson and Kelly Guard are a few examples. No shame in Brown returning for his overage season.
• It is only pre-season, but it's interesting that the Rockets have allowed just one-first period goal in four exhibition games. Conversely the Rockets have scored seven-opening period markers. 
• Back to Brown, the 20 year-old will set a new franchise record for games played this season. Brown is closing in on franchise leader Kevin Swanson.        

Rocky says fighting in the WHL has it's place

Should fighting be eliminated in major junior hockey?
It's the hot topic these days in hockey circles.
I spoke to WHL alumnus Rocky Thompson, who threw his fists around with success as a member of the Medicine Hat Tigers and Swift Current Broncos, during the Oilers workout Saturday afternoon in Kelowna as they prepare for the Young Stars tournament in Penticton.
Now an assistant coach with the Oilers AHL affiliate, I asked Thompson if he believes fighting has no place at the WHL level.

"I disagree. People can have their opinions. If they want to take it out, that's fine, but I would like to see proof of their arguments that's all."

Can you explain why we have more concussions, even in junior, then when you played?

"There has always been concussions. It's just more sensitive now. We never called it concussions.

"You look at guys like Kelly Buchberger, he was a tough player. He played lots, he fought lots. In the Western Hockey League, I had 30 points as a defenceman, so people can call us what they want but we weren't just mercenaries. I think it's a testament to all of the tough guys that got into coaching....their is a reason for it. These guys had to learn the game and they became students of it and they love the game, it's not because they love fighting."

"Fighting is part of the game when emotions get going. I am not a person for having staged fights. I never did that. I liked playing hard and as a result of that it happened. That's what I like seeing. Two guys who play hard and sometimes that happens. But overall, fighting is down. We will go games in the American Hockey League without a fight and that's fine."

Baillie breaks Blazers back with shootout winner.

Rookie Tyson Baillie continues to turn heads during the pre-season. The 16 year-old scored the shootout winner Saturday night in the Kelowna Rockets 5-4 win over the Kamloops Blazers, improving their exhibition record to 4 and 0. Baillie now leads the Rockets in pre-season scoring with 7 points (3+4=7).
Colton Heffley scored twice in regulation while Austin Ferguson and Carter Rigby added singles.
Jordon Cookie earned the win in goal.
Spencer Main wore the 'C' as Colton Sissons, who had been the captain the last three games, was not in the lineup.
Rookie defenceman Madison Bowey did not play after being hurt in Friday's 3-2 win in Kamloops.
Nineteen year-old Mitchell Chapman was the most physical player on the ice with some hard hits. The only fight of the game came in the third period when Tyrell Goulbourne danced with Blazer 17 year-old Chase Souto.
(The photo is courtesy of Marissa Baecker at www.shootthebreeze.ca)

Rockets put on good show off the ice...

The Rockets coaching staff were cook'n up the grub at the season ticket holder barbecue Saturday afternoon at Prospera Place.
The Rockets make season ticket pickup and barbecue a family affair.
Inside Prospera Place, The Edmonton Oilers rookies were working out during a closed practice. Rockets 20 year-old Adam Brown is one of three goaltenders going to Penticton for the Young Stars tournament.

Top ten and other things on my mind

• So the Kelowna Rockets are the 7th best junior team in Canada are they? NHL scouts who picked the pre-season CHL Top 10 rankings think so. The Rockets were one of three WHL teams to make the top ten. Portland (3rd) and Red Deer (9th) were also recognized. I can't argue with the latter two considering the Hawks have 15 players going to an NHL camp while the Rebels should be a force with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins returning after a long look by the Edmonton Oilers. No question the Rockets will turn some heads this season, but this team could be one of the youngest in the entire league. The defensive core alone has just two-19 year-old's and overage defender Kevin Smith.
• I like what head coach Ryan Huska said about the rankings. "I think they are kind of silly at this time of the year. I think it says a lot about the players and what people think of our players but our team has done nothing to deserve that or earn that honor of being rated. It is something I don't want our guys to actually pay attention too."
• A deadly crash that killed 34 members of a KHL team rocked the world on Wednesday. When you hear that Brad McCrimmon was killed on that aircraft, the impact is even greater for those who follow and love the Western Hockey League. Brad McCrimmon is the brother of Brandon Wheat Kings General Manager Kelly McCrimmon, who is as well respected as any executive you will find in our game. My condolences to Kelly and his family during this difficult time.
• My one and only encounter with Brad McCrimmon came in March of 2010 when the Detroit Red Wings made a stop at Prospera Place for a practice during a Western Conference road trip. Brad was an assistant coach with the Wings at the time and was smiling both on the ice and outside of the dressing room as the media gathered around coach Mike Babcock. I spoke to McCrimmon about the success of his brother Kelly, who was guided the Wheat Kings at the time as both gm and head coach. He had nothing but glowing things to say about his younger brother and the success he has had at the major junior level. Who would have thought that 17 months later he would be involved in a plane crash that would claim his life. If I can find the audio I will post it.
  
• Former Rockets' head coach Marc Habscheid was a teammate of McCrimmon's for one season with Detroit while Kelowna resident Glen Cochrane also suited up alongside McCrimmon when they were with the Philadelphia Flyers (1984-85). Cochrane is now a pro scout.
  
• Brett Bulmer and Colton Jobke have left for Traverse City as the Minnesota Wild prepare for the start of training camp. Bulmer is a second round pick of the Wild while Jobke signed a deal with them last fall after attending camp as a free agent.
  
• Rockets forward Jessey Astles leaves for Pittsburgh Penguins camp Thursday while Mitchell Callahan is off to camp with the Detroit Red Wings.
  

A conversation with Travis Moen

Rockets 2 and 0 in pre-season

• It's not often that seven players find the score sheet. When it does happen it usually means a lopsided score. Saturday night at Prospera Place, the Rockets scored four times in the first period in a 7-2 win over Victoria, improving their pre-season record to 2 and 0.
• Zach Franko, who was quiet in a 4-3 overtime win against Vancouver Friday night, scored once and added two assists in the victory. Madison Bowey, MacKenzie Johnston, Colton Sissons, Shane McColgan and Tyson Baillie all had multiple point games.
• For a second straight night Colton Sissons was handed the 'C' on his jersey.
• Interesting to note that 20 year-old forward Cody Chikie was the only overage forward/d-man dressed for the Rockets against the Royals. While Chikie was playing in back-to-back night's, 20 year-old d-man Kevin Smith was given the night off again.
• Four of the seven goals the Rockets scored came on the power play. The Royals took eight of the first nine penalties in the game.
• Curt Gogol wore the 'C' for the Royals. If he indeed plays junior this season, it will be interesting to see if the 20 year-old assumes that status.

Rockets make trade

The Kelowna Rockets have acquired 17 year-old Carter Rigby from the Prince George Cougars and a conditional 6th round bantam pick in exchange for a 3rd rounder in 2012.
Rigby is a 6'2, 210 pound forward who played the majority of last season in the KIJHL with Osoyoos.
After his season concluded in Osoyoos, he joined the BCHL's Penticton Vees where he collected seven points (1+6=7).
Rigby is from Penticton and scored 67 goals and collected 120 points playing midget hockey.
Rigby is a 8th rounder of the Cougars from 2009.
From the video's I've watched of him, he has skill but won't hesitate to fight.

Quick thoughts from pre-season win.

• It was only exhibition, but beating the Vancouver Giants at any time is fun. Cody Chikie scored a power play goal in overtime leading the Kelowna Rockets to a 4-3 pre-season win Friday night at Prospera Place. Madison Bowey, Tyson Ballie and Jessey Astles added singles. The Rockets host Victoria tonight at 7.
  
• Rookie European forward Filip Vasko chipped in with two assists.
• Jordan Cooke went the distance in goal and was sharp despite giving up three goals on 28 shots.
• The Rockets dressed just one-20 year-old. Chikie, as mentioned, scored the game winner. Adam Brown was Cookie's backup and defenceman Kevin Smith watched from the sidelines.
• 17 year-old forward Colton Sissons wore the 'C' on his jersey. He doesn't turn 18 until October.
  
• The youngest guy on the ice last night was Rockets forward Ryan Donaldson. Donaldson is just 14. He doesn't turn 15 until December 10th. What does that say about the Langley BC resident if he is participating in a WHL pre-season game?
  
• If Jessey Astles' can get his shot away, the 18 year-old is going to score a lot of goals. Does he not have the best release, or one of the quickest releases on the team? You don't use your slap shot when you can release it that quickly.
• Tyrell Goulbourne was involved in a scrap and did very well. The 17 year-old is anything but a heavyweight (5'11 - 170), but a willing combatant and can throw a hard punch. You have to admire his grit.
  
• I sure liked the play of 16 year-old forward Tyson Baillie. If I was picking the team, he would be on my opening day roster. Not a great skater, Baillie has a knack for finding himself in good positions to score. I am not sure if that can be taught. The Fort Saskatchewan resident was a bigger scorer in Bantam and collected as many points in Midget as he played games. He even went out of his way last night to make body contact which shows me he is no shrinking violet.
• If Baillie makes the team, the temptation will be there to call him Tyson Barrie. I see it slipping out of my mouth.
  
• Best overall Rockets d-man? Madison Bowey. The 16 year-old joins the rush, is able to recover quickly and rarely gives away the puck.
  
• Winning face-offs. That is a key area the Rockets need to improve on this season. I thought the Rockets struggled in that phase of the game last year in the playoff series against Portland. Shane McColgan, Cody Chikie, Colton Heffley and whoever else taking the draws have to be a whole lot better.
• Ex-Rocket Mikeal Backlund made a quick stop in the broadcast booth last night. Backlund is spending some time in Kelowna before he prepares for the start of Calgary Flames training camp.
• Former Rockets analyst Joey Kenward took in the game. Kenward has joined the staff of the Vancouver Canucks full time and will be doing good work on the teams website. Kenward told me that Rick Ball, also a former Rockets announcer, will be doing some games with CBC's Hockey Night in Canada this season. Good on him.
• The Giants had the players names on the back of the jersey while the Rockets were not afforded the same luxury. If the old school principal applies here, I like it. Until you make the opening day roster, your name won't be on the back of a Rockets uniform.
  

Things that make me go hmm....

• The one veteran that grabbed my eye at training camp this week was Brett Bulmer. Now 19, the Prince George product just dominated when he was around the puck. Unfortunately we just haven't seen the best of him in the first two seasons. My belief is Bulmer will showcase himself like never before in 2011-2012. He scored 18 goals last season. In my opinion he is good enough, when he plays hard, to score 30+. The untapped potential of this player is scary.
  
• Speaking of Bulmer, he reminds me a little bit like Cody Almond. Almond never really found his groove until he was 19. Almond scored 22 goals as an 18 year-old and then let loose with 33 in his final year of junior. Almond scored an impressive 10 times in the playoffs on the way to a WHL title.
• Best 15 year-old at rookie camp? I admit to seeing few on-ice sessions, but Riley Stadel from Surrey is going to be a beauty. Stadel was a third rounder this summer and loves to rush the puck. Smart, quick and he brings it from the blue line. Love it!
  
• Don't get too excited about the Rockets exhibition record. Remember last year? The Rockets were 5 and 1 in pre-season before winning just four times in the first 14 games to start the regular season. Exhibition season is all about evaluation. What I am saying is the record means diddly at the end of the day.
• I know the Rockets get criticised for not releasing the names of the players released by the team during training camp, but does it really matter? At this age lets focus on the players that are here not those that fell short.
  
• When you watch 16 year-old rookie d-man Madison Bowey this season remember that the Rockets traded spots with Prince George to snag Bowey with the first pick in the second round. Brilliant move by GM Bruce Hamilton and Director of Player Personnel Lorne Frey.
• Will Saskatoon Blades GM Lorne Molleken have any sleepless night's when he watches Colton Sissons this season? Projected to be a first round pick, Sissons was a steal in a deal January 10, 2010. Molleken's only saving grace is the Rockets play in a different Conference.
  
• I find it interesting that the majority of teams across the league make a big deal about signing their top bantam draft picks while the Rockets keep that relatively quiet. Just saying.
• Will softer shoulder and elbow pads really make that big of a difference in preventing concussions in the WHL this season? Montreal Canadiens forward Travis Moen doesn't think so. R-E-S-P-E-C-T is the only way the number of concussions will ever be reduced.
• I thought Nashville Predators forward Jordon Tootoo said it right this week when he told me that his game is about aggression and if he isn't playing on the edge he isn't earning money at the NHL level. He is playing in the NHL specifically because of the way he plays. Some may call it dirty or borderline, but he knows what it takes to play at the elite level.
  
• Look for WHL referee's to be proactive in calling hits to the head this season. Sounds good in theory, but how many players will learn to embellish by snapping their head back every time contact is made? Referee's have been fooled may times by diving and now head snapping will be another challenge they face.
• How many players will be afraid to make a big hit in fear of taking a penalty? The glass rattling body checks like we witnessed from Shea Weber and Luke Schenn, I'm afraid, are a thing of the past.
  
• Thank goodness the Canadian dollar is strong in comparison to its American counterpart. The Rockets first three road games of the season are in Everett, Tri City and Spokane.
• Just a question. If the Rockets play Friday and Saturday night in Victoria on October 14th and 15th, how fresh are they expected to be when they play in Kamloops on October 16th? With back-to-back games in Victoria, the Rockets must stay the night after Saturday's tilt, take the ferry, then bus to the Interior Savings Centre. Oh perfect, the game starts at 6 pm. Couldn't we make it more difficult for the road team by playing the game at 2:30? Advantage Kamloops!
  

Fresh faces fight for positioning.

Here are the six new faces that remain alive at Rockets camp.

17 year-old's:
Tanner Moar - Canwood Saskatchewan (D) (Was taken in the 7th rd in 2009, 51 players before Rockets veteran d-man Damon Severson.)
Colten Martin - Arlington Texas (D) - Listed
Mark MacDougall - Winfield (D) - Listed

16 year-old's:
Tyson Ballie - Fort Saskatchewan (F) (3rd rounder in 2010 behind Madison Bowey).
Austin Ferguson - Abbotsford (F) (10th rounder in 2010)

*Ryan Donaldson is a draft pick from this summer. Donaldson is a right winger from Langley picked in the 5th rd.

Rockets veteran MIA at main camp.

Missing in action at Kelowna Rockets training camp this week has been 17 year-old forward Jason Siebert. The Abbotsford resident played in only a handful of games last season after breaking a bone in his wrist in November against Spokane. Seibert received another setback this summer when it was learned the scaphoid bone didn't heal properly. The Rockets 1st round pick from the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft will have to undergo another procedure which means he won't rejoin the Rockets until the new year.

Paddock warns junior players to enjoy WHL experience.

Leaving junior hockey and playing pro isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Just ask Cam Paddock.
The Kelowna Rockets alumnus has spent time in the East Coast League, the American Hockey League and with the NHL's St. Louis Blues.
Now he's looking for work after spending last season overseas.
I spoke to Paddock this week after he strolled into Rockets training camp to watch his former team go through the paces.

Where are you playing this season?

"It is a waiting game. Basically I am seeing where is the best option for me. There is about another two or three week window before I start worrying a bit."

You played in Germany last season?

"Germany was great. The hockey side of it wasn't that great for me. It didn't work out exactly as planned but the country was beautiful and my girl friend and I had a great time out there, so it was good".

Will you never play North American hockey again?

"I maybe panicked a bit last year and gave up on the AHL experience. I am not looking it as being relegated at all...I am trying to come back to the American League. That would be great but if I have to go overseas that is alright with me too."

As you watch Rockets training camp, do they look young to you?

"In some ways I'm envious of them. They know exactly what is coming up and they know they are playing junior hockey from 16 to 20 and then you worry about whatever comes after. These guys are bigger and stronger than we were at that age. To be honest, these guys won't say it and Ryan (Huska) or Bruce (Hamilton) won't say it but training camp sucks and we all know that. We (players) just want game one of the regular season to get started and I am sure that's what these guys are looking forward too."