A sense of normalcy

It almost felt normal.

Back at Prospera Place with fans in the building.

Sure, we were wearing masks. We attempted to social distance. Not many handshakes were exchanged, but we did our best to greet those we haven't seen for close to 18 months.

The product on the ice didn't change.

It was fast. Mistakes were made. Goals were scored. It was a fun night.

Rookie Max Graham, making his debut, scored once and added two assists in the Kelowna Rockets 7-3 win over the Victoria Royals. Despite getting into early penalty trouble, the home team scored three goals on it's opening three shots on net, one of which came shorthanded from Turner McMillen.

Here are a few observations from the game:

• Cole Schwebius started in goal. The 20 year-old is completing with three others to retain an overage spot this season. Making 17 of 19 saves in the win through 40 minutes before giving way to Nicholas Cristiano in the third period, Schwebius best save may have been with a low shot that hit him in the left leg on a quick shot from Royals forward Brayden Schuurman. 
• Turner McMillen had great jump. His greatest gift is his work ethic. Opening the scoring on a breakaway, he was gassed as he skated in on goal but showed some good finish. I always peg him for older than he is. McMillen is an 18 year-old, yet he always looks older to me.
• Elias Carmichael had a nice, quiet game. With two assists, the 18 year-old made a nice, quick pass to spring Scott Cousins in for his third period goal. 
• Jake Lee played the part of a 20 year-old. He looked like an older, established veteran back there. I thought he looked steady and picked his spots to rush the puck.
• Andrew Cristall is calm with the puck and his vision with it is elite. I just like the fact he doesn't have to wear that bird cage any longer. The half visor is visually more appealing.
• I liked newcomer Gabriel Szturc. He can skate pretty well. The Czech born forward had a team high 6 shots on net. I like trigger happy hockey players. Shoot that thing...don't look for the highlite reel setup. 
• Sixteen year-old Caden Price had a good night. Again, just from the eye test, I think he has some offensive upside. I know the coaches will be on him for doing a better job of defending, but I want to see him show confidence with the puck on his stick. Take it up ice. Make plays. Make mistakes. I don't care if you turn it over. Just get better and learn from it, but don't be afraid to make miscues. Tyson Barrie. Damon Severson. They were not the best defenders when they came into the WHL, but they were all Defenceman of the Year recipients because of what they could bring in the offensive zone.
• A quiet night for the 2002 born players. That's a small group with the roster only having 4 of them. Ethan Ernst will take some time to get his motor running. The guy has played only two games in the last two years? He had wrist surgery after being hurt in game two of the abbreviated season in 2020-2021.
• The Rockets were awarded only two power plays. It would have been nice to see them play more with the man advantage. Victoria had 7 chances and scored once. 
• The two teams do it all over again tonight. See ya at the rink!