Rockets escape with point

Kyle Topping - Shoot the Breeze Photo

• The good news for the Kelowna Rockets last night is they received secondary scoring. Ethan Ernst, Sean Comrie and Pavel Novak found the back of the net in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Victoria Royals. The bad news is the Rockets top end players, frankly, were below average in the one goal loss. Nolan Foote was extremely quiet. So quiet that he didn't even have a shot on goal including missing high and wide in the shootout. Kyle Topping had a hard time generate offense and Leif Mattson also struggled in that department. Frankly, no one seemed to be in sync after a six day layoff. Whether it was the extended time between games or just lackadaisical play, the Rockets can't be happy with the effort. As poorly as they played, shockingly they were able to earn a point.
• My main concern heading into Tuesday's game was the Rockets start. I had the sneaky suspicious that the team would be slow out of the gates and that is exactly what happened. The Rockets managed little in the way of scoring chances and were out-shot 13-3 in the opening period. Much of the action was found in front of Roman Basran, who had to be sharp to keep it close. 
• Whatever was said in the first intermission seemed to have an impact on the Rockets overall play. They came out with more urgency and began to dictate the play. It was nice to see Ethan Ernst find the back of the net for the first time this season. The 17 year-old made the right choice on an odd man rush by shooting rather than passing the puck. It was Ernst's second career goal. His first came, oddly enough, in Victoria back on October 20th of last season. 
• For the first time this season the Rockets failed to win a game despite leading after 40 minutes. The team was a perfect 6-0-0-0 up until last night, where the Royals struck for two-third period goals in a span of 1:14 seconds to tie the game. Again it was one of those night's where the harder the Rockets tried, the worse it got. 
• The Royals weren't without their own warts. On two separate occasions, a player was sent in the clear for a breakaway and lost control of the puck. It was nothing short of weird as in an effort to stick handle, the puck carrier lost control and no shot was taken.
• Another bright spot was rookie d-man Elias Carmichael earning his first career point; an assist on Sean Comrie's second period blast from the point.
• One of the biggest surprises for me last night was the small crowd in Victoria. I have never seen that few fans take in a game at Save On Foods Memorial Centre. Just 3 thousand, 213 attended the BC Division showdown. Was the World Series a factor? Hockey in late October when interest isn't that high? Did the awesome weather play a factor? I mid-week game also isn't helpful.   
• By earning a single point, the Rockets are now within two of idle Kamloops for first place in the BC Division. The Rockets will make up the one game they hold on the Blazers tonight in the rematch with the Royals, who will be playing their fourth game in 6 nights.   

Rockets/Royals Rumble

·      Tonight’s Preview: The Kelowna Rockets play game three of a four straight on the road tonight when they visit the Victoria Royals. These two teams hook up again tomorrow before the Rockets make a return visit for two games February 21^st and 22^nd. The Royals make two stops in Kelowna in November, with dates on the 6^th and 20^th. What does that mean? The Rockets will face the Royals four times in the next 9 games. Last season the Rockets had a boat load of success on the Island, winning three of four games (8-2 W, 5-1 W, 5-2 W) before suffering a 6-2 loss. The Rockets were 5-3-0-0 in the eight game seasonal series, out-scoring the Royals 31-20. The Rockets are coming off a 4-2 win in Prince George last Wednesday. Nolan Foote had 1+2=3 in the teams 7^th victory of the season. Following these two games in Victoria, the Rockets return home to face the Prince George Cougars on Friday and the Royals Wednesday November 6^th.  In November, the Rockets play 7 of 11 games on home ice.

·       Sign here please: Dillon Hamaliuk signed an entry level contract with the San Jose Sharks October 25^th. Hamaliuk was chosen in the 2^nd round by the Sharks in June’s NHL Draft. The 19 year-old joins Nolan Foote, who was signed by Tampa Bay back on June 25^th.      

·        Nolan Named Captain: Nolan Foote was named the 25^th captain in franchise history (Tacoma+Kelowna) October 18th. Foote joins brother Cal, who captained the Rockets during the 2017-2018 season. Both are first round selections of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning too. The Rockets selected Foote in the second round, 42^nd overall in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft. This is Foote’s fourth and likely final season in the WHL.    

·        Who’s Hot: Forward Pavel Novak has 5+8=13 in 12 games. Novak has five goals in his last 9 games and has points in five of his last eight games…Liam Kindree has 2+3=5 in his last five games…Kyle Topping has points in 7 of the 12 games he has played this season…Nolan Foote has 6 goals in his last six games and has 12 multiple goal games over his career...Nolan Foote leads the team in shots on goal with 41…Roman Basran has an impressive stat line with a goals against average of 2.18 and a save percentage of .930.   

·        Broadcasters Notebook: Equipment Manager Chaydyn Johnson is a member of the off-ice staff for the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge in Medicine Hat and Swift Current, November 2^nd to 9^th. Johnson is behind the bench of Team Red ….Nolan Foote, Dillon Hamaliuk and Kaedan Korczak have been named to Team WHL for the upcoming Canada-Russia Series next month. Those three will compete in two games against the touring Russian Selects in games in Prince Albert and Saskatoon…Pavel Novak is a ‘C’ prospect for next June’s NHL Draft. Those rankings released by NHL Central Scouting. A ‘C’ prospect is regarded as a player selected between the 5^th and 7th round. The 2020 NHL Entry Draft will be held in Montreal…The Rockets are 7-4-1-0 after 12 games this season. The team was 3-9-0-0 after 12 games last season and 4-9-0-0 after 13 games….Kyle Topping played in his 200^th career WHL game October 4^th in Prince George….Roman Basran has started in 10 of 12 games this season…The Rockets are 2-4-1-0 in 7 attempts against BC Division teams this season, with both wins coming against Prince George.

They don't say how; they just say how many

Shoot the Breeze Photo

• The Kelowna Rockets went into Wednesday night's road game in Prince George with a perfect 5-0-0-0 record when leading after two periods. That successful trend continued courtesy of the most spectacular play of the  night where dull hockey was the norm in a 4-2 win at CN Centre. While killing a second period penalty, Rockets leading point producer Nolan Foote would initiate body contact on Cougars d-man Rhett Reinhart. Foote not only separated player from puck, he was able to pass it out front to Liam Kindree, who's one timer blew past goaltender Taylor Gauthier. It gave the visitors a 3-2 lead that they would never relinquish. Foote put the game on ice with his 7th goal of the season on a well executed two-on-one late in the third period with Leif Mattson and the Rockets collected their 7th win of the season.
• For a second straight game the Rockets played with more intensity and its translated into more team toughness. While no fights broke out last night against two teams that were meeting for the third time in three weeks, the Rockets weren't about to be pushed around. While the Cougars typically don't shy away from the rough stuff, I would suggest the Rockets gave more than they received. Frankly, I think this team needs to take on more attributes of its head coach, so the aggression is a welcome change. Adam Foote was not a fighter, nor did he have to be. Foote competed and didn't back down from anyone during his time in the NHL. The rougher the game, the more intense it was, the more Foote flourished. 
• With more aggressive play comes more trips to the penalty box. While allowing both Kamloops and Prince George 7 power play chances each in back-to-back road games, the Rockets have taken the 7th most penalties minutes of the 22 teams on the WHL circuit. 
• The Rockets made an addition to their leadership before Wednesday's game. Twenty year-old forward Leif Mattson was given an 'A' on his jersey. Mattson joins Dillon Hamaliuk and Kyle Topping as assistants to captain Nolan Foote. The promotion may have been a factor in Mattson snapping an 11 game goal scoring drought with his first of the season. Named the third star, Mattson had a goal and assist and his first period goal gave the Rockets a 2-0 lead. Video review was needed to determine that Mattson's shot, during a goal mouth scramble, did indeed go over the line before Taylor Gauthier pulled it out quickly with the paddle of his stick.
• Rookie Deegan Mofford made his WHL debut and didn't look out of place. A third round WHL bantam pick, I was wondering how overwhelmed he would look after being a healthy scratch for the opening 11 games. The coaching staff must have been pleased with Mofford's effort in creating a scoring chance on his opening shift. When I asked head coach Adam Foote what he wanted to see from Mofford, he quickly stated the 18 year-old knows what he is and doesn't try to be something he isn't. I see Mofford getting more ice time and less time in the press box after what he showed in Prince George. 
• The win was the Rockets second in six games against BC Division opponents. With a record of 2-3-1-0, those two wins have come against the Cougars.
• Why do the Rockets already have 7 wins this season? Solid goaltending and a greater commitment to defending is likely a big reason why. The team has allowed just 31 goals against after 12 games this season. At this time last year, the team had surrendered 45 goals against. Going from 3.75 goals per game to 2.58 goals against is impressive despite the small sample size. 
• With Skate Canada International taking over Prospera Place, a rare quirk in the schedule as the team has the luxury of having the entire weekend off. Yep, no games this weekend until the team boards the bus again Monday for a pair of games in Victoria Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.
• Had the chance to shake hands with Tom Kowal, who is now the WHL's Officiating Development Coach. Kowal was in Prince George last night to watch Brett Iverson and Troy Paterson do their thing. Kowal is a Vernon resident but now makes his home in High River, Alberta. The next time we cross paths, I will make sure to put a microphone in his face and interview him about the over 1,000 games he called as a referee in the NHL.      
• Good luck to my roommate and all around good guy Chaydyn Johnson as he heads to the prairies for the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge in Swift Current and Medicine Hat. The 23 year-old will be an equipment manager for Team Red.  

Cup half full after one goal loss

Allan Douglas Photo

• If you wanted the Kelowna Rockets to play with more jam, intensity, physicality and push back, you got it in spades last night in Kamloops. What you didn't receive was a win against the Blazers though. The Rockets did put up a good fight in a 2-1 road loss. Several players went outside of their comfort zone in the one goal setback by playing with more bite. While leaving Sandman Centre without two points, it was an encouraging sign for a team that really needs to play with more jump in their step. Let's see if they can carry that on going forward against Prince George and Victoria next week.
• Typically the Blazers led on the shot clock, which frankly I am ignoring more and more as time goes on. While getting pucks on net are valuable in an effort to score, for me it is all about scoring chances. Give me fewer shots on net but quality scoring opportunities, I'm all good. The Rockets had ample chances to score in this game. How about Mark Liwiski :29 seconds into the game? Nolan Foote with a partial breakaway in the second period where Blazers goalie Dylan Garand makes a nice glove hand save. Alex Swetlikoff almost ties the game with time ticking down but again Garand shuts the door. If those scoring chances are not there, I'm concerned. They were, so I'm not.
• I could be really knit-picky about the Rockets power play, which went 0 for 4 on the night. I thought it was just ok in creating scoring chances. It wasn't horrible by any means. In a game against a top tier team, which Kamloops is, the power play needs to cash in at least once. It couldn't. 
• The real positive in this game was the penalty killing unit. Statistically one of the worst in the league, it didn't allow a goal against the 4th best power play unit on 7 chances. I thought the commitment to defend was excellent and it was a real positive for this group moving forward. Whether it was the pre-scout or just a more desperate effort to win loose pucks, assistant coach Kris Mallette had to leave last night's game feeling awfully good about what they were able to accomplish. 
• I thought Roman Basran was again very, very good. The 18 year-old made several solid stops and frankly was one of the best players on the ice. While he received some help from his goal posts, he was quick and played with good control. He should have been a game star in the building with a 37 save performance. But much like shots on goal, the three stars in the building are become more and more irrelevant. It's a fan thing. Brodi Stuart's family was happy too. 
• Kaedan Korczak really impressed me last night. No, no he won't play error free hockey (is that a thing in junior hockey?) but his decision making and defending was impressive. You almost take for granted his stealth decision making, only to find yourself wanting more of it when he is sitting in the penalty box. The 19 year-old received a 10 minute misconduct late in the second period and was sorely missed. What the Rockets really need is another Kaedan Korczak or someone at that elite level. 
• The negatives? The Rockets took too many penalties. They played over half of the second period shorthanded. What was impressive is the team was only down 1-0 after 40 minutes despite of it.
• The positives? They played essentially half of the third period without Korczak yet were still in the hockey game. Mission accomplished outside of a Max Martin shot that went off Dillon Hamaliuk's stick, which elevated the flight of the puck as it screamed past the glove hand side of Basran.            
• To be honest, I liked Ethan Ernst on the second power play unit. 
• Leif Mattson's no look pass to Kyle Topping for the Rockets lone goal was impressive.
• The Rockets faced a team that has won 8 of its last 9 and have earned five consecutive wins. They are rolling. To come into that building and preform as well as they did is admirable. Despite losing three straight in the seasonal series against the Blazers, this was clearly the Rockets best effort against them this season. It really makes for great hockey every time these two rivals clash. The good news is we see it 7 more times before the season is through.   
• For the record, I would have made Takeru Kobayashi proud last night. I crushed several hot dogs prepared by the fine staff in the media area. The hot dog steamer is terrific, not only heating the wieners to perfection but additionally warming up the buns on the top deck of the two tiered unit. It's glorious and makes a great Christmas gift.
• Up next? Popcorn in Prince George on Wednesday.

Rockets roll into Kamloops

·     

Nolan Foote named captain 

 Tonight’s Preview: The Kelowna Rockets open a four game road trip tonight in Kamloops. This is the third meeting between the two teams, with the Rockets having played only 10 games this season. The Rockets are looking at beating the Blazers after losing 3-2 in overtime and 5-2. The Rockets are also looking for more success against a BC Division rival with an early season record of 1-3-1-0 in five attempts. This road trip consists of four straight games against division opponents including stops in Kamloops tonight, in Prince George this Wednesday and back to back games in Victoria. The team doesn’t return home until November 1^st against the Prince George Cougars. The Rockets are coming off a 3-2 overtime win against the Swift Current Broncos Wednesday night. Nolan Foote scored the game winner 65 seconds into extra time. Foote ended the night with 2+1=3 while Pavel Novak had 1+1=2. Cole Schwebius made his home debut and was solid in recording the win in goal.

·        Nolan Named Captain: Nolan Foote was named the 25^th captain in franchise history (Tacoma+Kelowna) Friday morning. Foote joins brother Cal, who captained the Rockets during the 2017-2018 season. Both are first round selections of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning too. The Rockets selected Foote in the second round, 42^nd overall in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft. This is Foote’s fourth and likely final season in the WHL.    

·         Who’s Hot: Forward Pavel Novak has 5+8=13 in 10 games. Novak has five goals in his last 7 games and has points in five of his last six games…Liam Kindree has 1+3=4 in his last three games…Kyle Topping has points in 6 of the 10 games he has played this season…Nolan Foote has 5 goals in his last four games and has 12 multiple goal games over his career...Nolan Foote leads the team in shots on goal with 37…Roman Basran has an impressive stat line with a goals against average of 2.22 and a save percentage of .926.   

·         Broadcasters Notebook: Nolan Foote, Dillon Hamaliuk and Kaedan Korczak have been named to Team WHL for the upcoming Canada-Russia Series next month. Those three will compete in two games against the touring Russian Selects in games in Prince Albert and Saskatoon…Pavel Novak is a ‘C’ prospect for next June’s NHL Draft. Those rankings released by NHL Central Scouting. A ‘C’ prospect is regarded as a player selected between the 5^th and 7th round. The 2020 NHL Entry Draft will be held in Montreal…The Rockets organization has the bragging rights of having 14 former players start the season on an NHL roster. That is the most of any team in the WHL, with Brandon next at 10 and Portland with 9 alumni….The Rockets have the second most games played by alumni in the NHL of any team in the Canadian Hockey League. Only the London Knights of the OHL have more….The Rockets are 6-3-1-0 after 10 games this season. It took the team 16 games last season to reach six victories.…Kyle Topping played in his 200^th career WHL game October 4^th in Prince George….Roman Basran has started in eight of ten games this season…. Newly acquired forward Dillon Hamaliuk was selected in the second round by the San Jose Sharks. Hamaliuk was acquired in a trade with Seattle back in May….Jake Lee received a free-agent tryout with the Sharks, attending the teams rookie camp…Back on October 3^rd, the Rockets were awarded the host site for the 2020 Kia Memorial Cup, beating out bids from Kamloops and Lethbridge.

Blazers hand Rockets 1st home ice loss

Shoot the Breeze Photography

• Kelowna Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton told freelance writer Larry Fisher during training camp that the 20 year-old's, the overagers on every WHL team are the difference makers, specifically early in the season. It's too much to ask for the younger players to do the heavy lifting in the first few months, so the veteran players must lead the charge. Hamilton wasn't blowing smoke when he made that comment to Fisher and was right on the money Saturday night in his teams 5-2 home ice loss to Kamloops. Blazers GM Matt Bardsley has been busy retooling his 20 year-old's over the last few weeks and it paid off in a big way. Acquired less than a week ago from the Prince Albert Raiders, d-man Max Martin scored twice in the third period as the road team handed the Rockets their first loss at Prospera Place this season. It was fellow overager Ryan Hughes who jump started the Blazers offense with the primary assist on Martin Lang's opening goal to make it 1-0. Those areas of improvement by Bardsley have been enough to help the Blazers earn two wins in two meetings against the Rockets this season. Hughes scored the game winner in overtime in the opening meeting of the season on September 27th.
• This game should be an eye opener for the Rockets. Are they indeed as good as they believe they are? Was it just an off night in all areas where they surrendered a season high 47 shots on net? The Blazers looked fresher, sharper and hungrier as they moved a single point back of Kelowna for second place in the BC Division.  
• For me, puck retrieval was a huge story in this game. The Blazers were dominant in getting pucks back once the original shot was taken. In the third period specifically, where the game essentially was won or lost, the visitors were hungrier to get the puck back after a thwarted attempt on net. They looked quicker, but to me it likely came down to more desperate to win loose pucks and keep plays alive in the offensive zone.    
• My belief is the Blazers have a greater hunger to beat the Rockets than the other way around. I am not saying the Rockets don't want to win! That would be foolish to suggest that. Considered by some as the ugly stepchild or the inferior team situated in the BC Interior, the Blazers look like they have a greater desire to come out on top at the end of the night and play with a certain chip on their shoulder. Face it, some team's simply get up more to play against one specific opponent than another. The Blazers do that against the Rockets. It was evident even last season. While not wanting to admit it, do the Blazers have a bur in their saddle every time they face the Rockets after losing out in the bidding process for the 2020 Kia Memorial Cup? If it provides added motivation, heck I'd use it.
• Rebound control. It is the goaltenders greatest weapon. I would suggest on this night that Blazers netminder Dylan Garand was like a vacuum. The yet to be drafted 'keeper of the cage' contained pucks to his body and never gave up any secondary chances for the Rockets forwards to pounce on. Give the d-men credit for boxing out the Rockets forwards while getting into shooting lanes to block shots.
• A few positives for you? It was nice to see rookie Jake Poole score his first career WHL goal. Rewarded with power play time, Poole's wrister found pay dirt in the second period to tie the game at 2. A bit of an awkward skater, you can't deny Poole's ability to put himself in good spots on the ice and works his tail off on the forecheck. Sure he made an ill-advised blind backhand pass that turned into a goal, but let's remember, Poole has played a handful of games at the WHL level and the way to learn is by making mistakes and then correcting them.
• 16 year-old forward Trevor Wong was again sharp Saturday night and had three decent chances to score, with all three going high and wide of the net. The scariest point of his evening  came in the third period when he was pushed into the side boards, in front of the Blazers bench by forward Ryley Appelt. Wong did make it back to his feet while Appelt was given a 5 minute major and game misconduct. Look for Appelt to serve at least a game for that hit. Unfortunately, the Rockets were unable to score on the extended power play.
• After three impressive wins over Spokane, Everett and Tri City, what will be a real indicator is how the two team's match up again this Saturday in Kamloops. That game will tell us how evenly matched they are or if indeed a significant gap exists. You can't look ahead and not focus on Wednesday's home game against visiting Swift Current, but I am intrigued on the Rockets response Saturday night at Sandman Centre.               

A reunion on the road

Jake Lee in a T-Birds uniform

·      Tonight’s Preview: It is a reunion of sorts for three members of the Kelowna Rockets. Dillon Hamaliuk, Jake Lee and Cole Schwebius return to where their WHL careers started when they face their old team, the Seattle Thunderbirds this evening. All three were involved in a block buster trade in May that saw the trio arrive in Kelowna for two-first round WHL bantam picks and 20 year-old Connor Bruggen-Cate. The Rockets make a return visit to Kent, Washington November 22^nd. The T-Birds make two visits to Prospera Place this season on January 24^th and March 6^th. Last season the Rockets were 9-6 and 3-2 overtime losers to the T-Birds on home ice and were a 4-1 loser before scoring a 3-1 victory at Accesso ShoWare Centre in two appearances. Tonight’s game is the conclusion of three straight games on the road, after the Rockets split a pair of games in Prince George on the weekend. The Rockets were a 2-1 winner Friday when Pavel Novak scored twice in the victory. A night later, the Rockets received their lone goal from Nolan Foote in a 4-1 loss. The Cougars held a slim 2-1 lead after 40 minutes before scoring two empty net goals for their first win of the season. Following tonight’s game, the Rockets return home to face the Kamloops Blazers tomorrow night before hosting Swift Current Wednesday.

·         Broadcasters Notebook: Pavel Novak is a ‘C’ prospect for next June’s NHL Draft. Those rankings released by NHL Central Scouting. A ‘C’ prospect is regarded as a player selected between the 5^th and 7th round. The 2020 NHL Entry Draft will be held in Montreal….Novak has 3+3=6 in his last three games and has been named the first star in two of his last three contests…The Rockets organization has the bragging rights of having 14 former players start the season on an NHL roster. That is the most of any team in the WHL, with Brandon next at 10 and Portland with 9 alumni….The Rockets have the second most games played by alumni in the NHL of any team in the Canadian Hockey League. Only the London Knights of the OHL have more….The Rockets are 4-2-1-0 after seven games this season. It took the team 13 games last season to reach four wins.….Last season, the Rockets were 1-6-0-0 after seven games …Kyle Topping has goals in four of seven games this season…Topping played in his 200^th career WHL game last Friday in Prince George….Roman Basran has started in six of seven games this season…. Newly acquired forward Dillon Hamaliuk was selected in the second round by the San Jose Sharks. Hamaliuk was acquired in a trade with Seattle back in May….Jake Lee received a free-agent tryout with the Sharks, attending the teams rookie camp…Back on October 3^rd, the Rockets were awarded the host site for the 2020 Kia Memorial Cup, beating out bids from Kamloops and Lethbridge.

·         That’s a fact - Jack! The team essentially welcomes back 17 of the 22 players that wore a Rockets jersey last season. That includes 5 of the teams’ top 6 scorers in Kyle Topping, Leif Mattson, Nolan Foote, Liam Kindree and Kaedan Korczak. Topping led the team with 69 points while Mattson and Foote collected 63 points apiece. Foote led the team in goals with 36. The team said farewell to 20 year-old’s Schael Higson, Dalton Gally and Matt Barberis. The team also parted ways with Lassi Thomson, Conner Bruggen-Cate and Ted Brennan. Adam Foote returns as head coach for his first full season behind the bench with Kris Mallette and Vernon Fiddler as his assistants. Fiddler was added to the staff on July 3^rd.

Rockets can't take full advantage of short staffed Cougars

Pavel Novak - Shoot the Breeze Photo

• Newcomer Pavel Novak continues to impress. Prospering on the power play, the 17 year-old rookie is showing he was indeed worthy of being selected in the first round of the CHL Import Draft. With only a handful of games under his belt, Novak had a week to remember, scoring three times and collecting three assists for six points in three games. Showing off his skills when the opposition is down by a man, the Czech forward clearly has a high hockey IQ. You can't take him off that first power play unit with his terrific passing, propensity to shoot and tremendous decision making. The good news is Novak is young and will only get better in time. His adjustment to the smaller North American ice surface is impressive. But again, let's temper expectations. The schedule is a long one for any junior player and mental and physical fatigue will play for a factor in his consistency. Throw in home sickness, that seems to plague anyone playing hockey a long way from home, it will be a hurdle the likable Novak will have to overcome.
• A bright spot heading into week four of the WHL season is the play of Roman Basran. I think the 18 year-old goaltender has been solid. Arguably the best dresser on the team, Basran's numbers don't lie. The workhorse with six games already played this season, the goals against average is an impressive 1.80 and the save percentage is a eye popping .933. That is a great stat line. You wins games with those numbers if the team in front of you has the ability to score. More on that later.
• You are winless in five games and everyone outside of the hockey club is telling fans that the Prince George Cougars are in a rebuild. Despite those PR struggles,which are factual, the game Saturday night was better attended than the opener when the Rockets escaped with a 2-1 road victory. You won't get large crowds in Prince George after years of losing (missed playoffs 6 of last 10 years) but you have to appreciate the teams work ethic. The biggest turnoff for fans, in my opinion, is watching a skilled team with no work ethic. What is exciting is watching a team play with determination despite a lack of high end talent in the lineup. Mark Lamb has them playing hard, which was a staple on why he was able to carve out a 400 game NHL career.
• Three texts this season is not enough for this broadcaster to jump up and down with glee, but those three all stated how informative head coach Adam Foote is on our AM 1150 pre-game coaches show. I have to agree. While he doesn't share any trade secrets to tip off the opposition, Foote is able to bring some insight for the fans to munch on. It isn't all coaches speak with no substance. Foote has been terrific in likely a portion of his day he least looks forward to doing.....talking to this media guy! That said, I do appreciate the time he takes to share his knowledge on how he wants his team to play. Selfishly, it makes my radio show better, but it is also a giveback to the fans that follow the team closely.
• The Rockets should have earned back to back wins in Prince George. Sorry, but it should have happened. The Cougars had several veteran players out with injury, yet the Rockets couldn't take advantage. Cole Moberg, Ethan Browne, Jackson Leppard and IIijah Colina are four big pieces that the Rockets didn't have to contend with, yet won only one of two games after narrowly escaping with a 2-1 victory Friday night.  To clarify, Browne played Friday but did not return for the rematch.         
• The Rockets are struggling to score goals on the road. The team has found the back of the net 5 times in four road games. In all four games, the Rockets have managed to score two or fewer goals. (3-2 OTL vs. Kamloops - 4-0 loss vs. Vancouver, 2-1 win vs. Prince George, 4-1 loss vs. Prince George). I can't pin point why, but the team is struggling manufacturing shots on net in those games and have been slow out of the gates in three of the four. The first period against Prince George Saturday night, where they hit two goal posts, was arguably the best period they've played on the road this season. Again small sample size, but they need to manufacture more goals when away from Prospera Place. 
• The visitors broadcast booth at the CN Centre gets some love on this blog entry. I don't take it for granted, but the setup is pretty much perfect. The hardwire internet is solid, the wifi seems to be significantly improved and the ability to tap into the PA feed is awesome. For years....years....the PA feed was unavailable for the visiting broadcaster. Why? No clue. 

Rockets roll'n

• Roman Basran was stellar and rookie Pavel Novak held the hot stick as the Kelowna Rockets continue to impress three weeks into the start of the regular season. The 18 year-old undrafted goaltender sparkled, specifically in the second period, in last night's 2-1 win over the hard charging Prince George Cougars. While Basran was holding court at one end, Novak, a rookie Czech born player, opened the scoring and closed it with a power play goal as his team won for the first time on the road this season. Novak now has 2+3=5 in his last two games and is gaining confidence at an alarming rate. 
• Should we be surprised at Novak's emergence this quickly in his WHL career? I think the answer is yes. The smaller, North American ice surface can't help him. Yet he is adapting wonderfully. Two encouraging signs stand out for me with his early season play. The 17 year-old is not scared to shoot the puck. I love his passing ability, but his season high 6 shots on net last night was a sign that he doesn't want to be solely a setup man. What I also liked was his lack of hesitation in a goal mouth scramble in front of the Cougars net in the second period. The puck remained loose outside the crease and Novak continued to jam away until goaltender Taylor Gauthier finally reeled the puck in. Most new Euros would be content with the puck just sitting outside the crease and protected by a front line of defenders that corralling it would be futile. Nope. Novak keep poking away, determined to jar it loose. It created a scrum with Novak eventually on the bottom of the pile, but I love the determination. 
• Give the Cougars credit for giving the Rockets all they could handle. If I was a patron last night, I walked away from that game satisfied. Why?  Even if your team has a deficiency in skill, you can overcome many obstacles with good old fashioned work. I thought the Cougars were a determined bunch and work ethic was not an issue.     
• I still marvel at Kyle Topping's play as an 11th round bantam pick. Last night was his 200th career WHL game and he has been a productive player in his time with the hockey club. It is also neat to see how he has matured over the years. You know he wants to play pro so his heart and soul is into making this season his best ever.
• It was nice to run into former Kelowna Rockets head coach Jason Smith during the pre-game skate. Now as associate coach with the Cougars, I asked Smith how he would handle the cold winters up north. "The sun comes up here like it does everywhere else." You have to remember, Smith is a hearty Albertan who played several years in Edmonton where bone chilling temperatures and snow is the norm in the winter.  
• During the Cougars morning skate, I saw what appeared to be a familiar face on the ice putting players through the paces. It was indeed Peter Soberlak, who holds a masters degree in sports and exercise psychology. Soberlak, one of the nice guys on the circuit, is the Cougars mental coach. I knew him as a terrific junior player with the Swift Current Broncos where he eventually become a first round NHL pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 1987. Soberlak also spent time as the Rockets mental coach a few years back.
• It was only fluke that I had a conversation Friday morning with Cougars d-man Cole Moberg while waiting to interview Jason Smith. In my short chat with him on the bench, one can only get a greater appreciation for a player who I only knew, up until Friday, by name. You sure get a better appreciation for the individual once you have dialogue with them. Personable, the 7th round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks is missed on the Cougars blueline as he recovers from injury.       
• We are back on the radio a little earlier tonight with the Kelowna Rockets This Week. We spend the entire half hour with New Jersey Devils defencman Damon Severson, one of 14 Kelowna Rockets alumni on an NHL roster this season. Join me at 6 pm tonight!!

Rockets open three game roady

 Tonight’s Preview: The Kelowna Rockets open a three game road trip tonight when they travel to Prince George to face the Cougars. The Rockets meet the Cougars again tomorrow night before traveling to Seattle (Kent) next Friday to face the T-Birds. The Rockets next home game is Saturday October 12^th against the visiting Kamloops Blazers. The Rockets make three stops in Prince George this season, with a single stop on October 23^rd and back-to-back games February 25^th and 26th. The Rockets had their struggles against the Cougars last season, specifically at CN Centre. The Rockets were 1-3-1-0 in five games and were out-scored 20-12. The Rockets are coming off a 6-1 win over the Tri City Americans last night. Nolan Foote had 1+3=4 and rookie Pavel Novak had 1+2=3 in the victory, the teams’ third straight at home this season. The Rockets have out-scored the opposition at home 14-4.

      Broadcasters Notebook: The Rockets organization has the bragging rights of having 14 former players start the season on an NHL roster. That is the most of any team in the WHL, with Brandon next at 10 and Portland with 9 alumni….The Rockets have the second most games played by alumni in the NHL of any team in the Canadian Hockey League. Only the London Knights of the OHL have more….The Rockets are 3-1-1-0 after five games this season. It took the team 12 games last season to reach three wins.….Last season, the Rockets were 1-4-0-0 after five games….Tonight’s game is the first time the team faces former head coach Jason Smith. Smith was the head coach of the Rockets for two seasons and is now an assistant with the Cougars…Kyle Topping has goals in four of five games this season…Topping will play in his 200^th career WHL game tonight in Prince George….Roman Basran has started in four of five games this season….The Rockets acquired 20 year-old d-man Carson Sass from the Tri City Americans on September 11^th for a 10^th round bantam pick. Sass never played a game with the Americans though, after he was claimed off waivers by the Americans after suiting up for the Red Deer Rebels for over 200 games. Sass was the Rebels third round pick in the 2014 WHL bantam draft…Newly acquired forward Dillon Hamaliuk was selected in the second round by the San Jose Sharks. Hamaliuk was acquired in a trade with Seattle back in May….Jake Lee received a free-agent tryout with the Sharks, attending the teams rookie camp….Leif Mattson and Kyle Topping attended the rookie camp of the Carolina Hurricanes…19 year-old d-man Sean Comrie received an invite to Philadelphia Flyers rookie camp which led to an invite to main camp...Back on October 3^rd, the Rockets were awarded the host site for the 2020 Kia Memorial Cup, beating out bids from Kamloops and Lethbridge. 

      Welcome back! The team essentially welcomes back 17 of the 22 players that wore a Rockets jersey last season. That includes 5 of the teams’ top 6 scorers in Kyle Topping, Leif Mattson, Nolan Foote, Liam Kindree and Kaedan Korczak. Topping led the team with 69 points while Mattson and Foote collected 63 points apiece. Foote led the team in goals with 36. The team said farewell to 20 year-old’s Schael Higson, Dalton Gally and Matt Barberis. The team also parted ways with Lassi Thomson, Conner Bruggen-Cate and Ted Brennan. Adam Foote returns as head coach for his first full season behind the bench with Kris Mallette and Vernon Fiddler as his assistants. Fiddler was added to the staff on July 3^rd.