Reflecting on the Rockets

• Losing out in the playoffs never leaves a good feeling in your belly, but actually participating in them, not having that sinking feeling of missing the playoffs like one year ago, was a real treat. It's only when something is taken away, do you realize how much you enjoy it. Missing the playoffs last season after such a successful run made you cherish every moment of this years post season, win or lose.
• Did we really know what we were getting when Jamie Benn and Brady Leavold came to the Rockets in early October? We had heard Benn could score, but that was at the BCHL level. To see him score with regularity at the WHL level was truly impressive. Looking back, it amazes me that Benn didn't play major junior at 17. Whether it was a confidence issue or simply wanting to stay closer to home for another season, Benn's success at the WHL level shows that he is indeed an elite goal scorer.
• Brady Leavold was expected to bring grit and sand paper to the Rockets lineup, but at times he was as smooth as silk with his offensive flair. You have to give the coaching staff credit for allowing Leavold to explore the skilled side of his game, something that was lost during his time in Swift Current. Whether it was an attitude change, or a role change, or a combination of the two, Leavold couldn't have done more for the Rockets as an overage forward. An overage player needs to be an impact guy. Leavold fit the bill. I always wonder what would have happened to Leavold had he accepted a trade to Everett a few years back. Brady Leavold and Kyle Beach on the same team. Wow, would that be a tough group to play against. I enjoyed Brady during his time in a Rockets uniform, and he will always be regarded as one of the best interviews in my time in K-Town. I hope he returns for the Rockets alumni weekend.
• Who's next years captain? Is Luke Schenn the automatic choice? If the players have any say he will be. That said, will being the captain take away from his overall play? We don't want that to happen. If Schenn wasn't given the 'C', it wouldn't be like a slap in the face to the sure fire NHL'er. Remember Shea Weber was never a captain in Kelowna, but wore an 'A' with pride. Schenn will be the anchor on the blueline next season, does he need to be burdened by being the team leader as well?
• Does Schenn return next season? He will be a high draft pick no doubt, and will get a long look by the team that is fortunate to draft him. That said, the Saskatoon resident will be back next year. I would bank on it. What NHL team wants to throw a prospect into the fire at such a young age? Sure Patrick Kane made the jump, but I just can't see Schenn being hurried into duty at the pro level. The Rockets will have a very good team next season, and the team that drafts him would love nothing more than to see him mature with another trip to the World Juniors and a long playoff run.
• Coach Huska's first season behind the bench was an interesting one. Huska took over the reins from Jeff Truitt and did a tremendous job. I always wondering how tough the transition is from being an assistant to being the head man, but Huska handled it well. I really believe the players responded to Huska, and now with a year under his belt, Huska can fine tune his game and how he must motivate the players to greater things next season. Huska will have a talented group to work with in 2008-2009, but it's up to the coach to get the most out of that talented group.
• Torrie Jung may wish the summer was over and the 2008-2009 season was already upon us. Jung will be given every chance to assume the #1 goaltending duties with the departure of Kristofer Westblom. Jung will be challenged by rookie Dylan Tait, but if he should falter, I wouldn't be surprised if GM Bruce Hamilton looks at making a trade for an established goaltender. Rockets management won't be as patient with their goaltenders as they were this season.
• Much like last season, this year was one of patience for GM Bruce Hamilton. Look for him to be a little more trigger happy in 08/09. The majority of this team will be 19, and in junior hockey that is usually the uphill cycle. In simple terms, it's time to win.
• Who will have a big seasons next year? The Long's, Benn's and Schenn's will garner all of the headlines, but look for Evan Bloodoff to emerge as a solid offensive player. I thought Evan was very good in the first few games of the playoffs, before tailing off in the final two. The younger brother of Lucas, Evan has the ability to out-skate opposition d-men, and with maturity and strength, look for Evan Bloodoff to turn some heads in his 18 year-old season. A younger Dana Tyrell maybe? Look for Collin Bowman to also emerge as a top four d-man.
• Tyler Myers being named to the Under-18 team is a clear indication Hockey Canada has plans for him earning a possible roster spot at the World Juniors down the road. Now with dual citizenship, Myers won't shut the door on playing for the U.S, but clearly his inclusion into Hockey Canada's Under-18 program has him waving the flag of the red and white with the maple leaf in the middle, before donning the colours of the red-white and blue.
• The longer I am in this league, the more I appreciate opposition coaches. I spoke about my relationship with Seattle's Rob Sumner. I genuinely like him. Brandon's Kelly McCrimmon is a straight up guy. In an exchanging of e-mails this season I got a better appreciation for him. The Giants Don Hay is always a class act, and I leave an interview with him with more knowledge then before the mic was thrown in his face. To sit on the bus with him and pick his brain every day would be fun. Giants broadcaster Joey Kenward has that privilege 24/7. Say what you want about Cougars GM Dallas Thompson, but he's been nothing but excellent with me. I applaud his efforts in getting a number one bantam pick for Ty Wishart, when I believed it couldn't be done. Tri City head skipper Don Nachbaur is all class. The coach of the year, in my opinion, has always treated me well. You often get a better sense of these coaches when you see them outside of just the position as coach. Seeing Nachbaur strolling across the ice with I am assuming was his two sons hand-in-hand after a Tri City win, tells you that these men behind the bench are not just good coaches, but good dad's.
• One individual who I appreciated in the first half of the season was color analyst David Michaud. Now in Prince George as the Cougars marketing guru, Michaud made a commitment to me and our radio broadcasts on AM 1150 that I am sure I will never witness again. Because of a fall out with the radio station (no not me), I lost a valued partner on the air-waves. Publicly I want to thank David for his friendship, commitment and professionalism along the way. I wish him all the successes in his time in Cougar Country, but remember David when the Rockets face the Cougars next season, you are the hated enemy.
• The conclusion of the Rockets season also means a slow down of the postings on this blog. I may post once a week,or more, all depending if I have some interesting to pass along. What you won't see over the next couple of months is a posting every day. In the off season I simply don't have enough interesting things to share. Once again thanks to those who read this blog regularly, and the positive comments are much appreciated.