Oilers Send Rocket Back to Junior

The Edmonton Oilers reduced it's roster today by sending 18 year-old Milan Kytnar back to the Rockets. Kytnar will be at practice Monday, and will be in the lineup when the Rockets host the Tri City Americans in the teams home opener this Saturday.

Rockets Win Final Exhibition Game

Two-third period power play goals lifted the Rockets to a 3-0 exhibition win over the Chilliwack Bruins.
Lucas Bloodoff made it 2-0 Rockets after receiving a lead pass at the Bruins blue line from Tysen Dowzak. Bloodoff picked up the puck in full flight, was hooked by a Chilliwack d-man but managed on his knees to tuck the puck through the legs of Esposito. A penalty was called on the play, and on the ensuing power play, Tysen Barrie would rip a hard slapshot past the glove hand side of Esposito to give the Rockets a 3-0 advantage.

Shots in the 3rd were 6-5 Chillwack.

Final shots were Rockets 20 - Chillwack 15

Tyler Myers had 2 assists in the game.

Kristofer Westblom made 15 saves in the shutout.

Lyon Messier picked up an assist on the Bloodoff power play goal.

Rockets by my count were 2/9 with the man advantage.

1-0 Rockets after 2

Colin Long's goal has given the Rockets a 1-0 lead after 40 minutes. Defenseman Tyler Myers brought the puck inside the Bruins zone on the right side, and spotted Long going hard to the net. Long simply stuck his stick out and redirected the puck past Esposito.

Shots on goal in the period were 7-5 Rockets. Shots read 15-9 after 40 minutes for Kelowna.

Second Period Observations:

• Who is going to score for the Bruins outside of Moller and Santorelli this season? After 40 minutes it's been all perimeter shots by the Bruins. Both are healthy scratches tonight.
• The Rockets were much more physical after failing to make contact in period one. Colin Joe and Tyson Barrie had the biggest hits in the period. Both are d-man. Now let's see it from the forwards.


• Several veterans have elected to change numbers from last season. Cody Almond is now 12, Tysen Dowzak is 25, and Myles MacRae is 8. Last season Almond was 8, Dowzak was 26 and MacRae was 22.


• I ate my first Prospera Place hot dog in my 7 years in Kelowna. I am pleased to say I am still alive!

No Score After 1 - Rockets vs. Bruins

Shots on goal:
Rockets = 8
Bruins = 4

First Period Observations:

• Kristofer Westblom gets the start for the Rockets, the Bruins counter with Matt Esposito.
• Colin Long is wearing the 'C' tonight.
• Rockets scratches are McEwan, Schenn, Bernhardt, McMillan, Kytnar, Brusciano, Verdino.
• Rockets defenseman Riley McIntosh is playing forward tonight. The Rockets have 9 d-man on the roster. Something has to give?

Rockets drop to 1-5 in Pre-Season

Colin Long's goal with 17 seconds left in the 3rd period, spoiled Justin Leclerc's shutout bid as the Kamloops Blazers beat the Rockets 3-1 Friday night.
Torrie Jung got the start in goal for the Rockets, and made 27 of 30 saves in the loss. The Blazers had a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes, and a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes. The Rockets were 0/5 on the power play. The Blazers were 1/7.
Special thanks to Blazers broadcaster Kirk Fraser for the info. I will post period-by-period updates on this blog when the Rockets host Chilliwack Saturday night.

Rockets Lose 3-1 to Blazers

More to follow in 20 minutes.

Regan

He's Called Mr. September...

• Former major league great Reggie Jackson was called Mr. October for his exploits in the playoffs. Rockets 19 year-old forward Myles MacRae could be called Mr. September, considering he has five goals in the pre-season, and had as many in last years exhibition season. In talking to Myles on Thursday, he knows he needs to 'bring it' when the regular season starts, and has to continue to flex his offensive muscles all season long. He should be given his fair chance to improve on his 14 goals from a year ago, as he will start the year on the teams #1 power play unit.
• Short, sweet and to the point! That may best describe a Thursday afternoon practice at Prospera, as the Rockets prepared for their final weekend of exhibition games before the real season starts September 22nd. Rockets head coach Ryan Huska and his entourage of assistants had the troups going through a series of speed drills in preparation for games Friday in Kamloops before concluding the pre-season with a home game against the Chilliwack Bruins Saturday night. The Blazers are a huge test, considering they are 5 and 1 in pre-season, and appear to be one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference this season.
• Luke Schenn did not practice Thursday, as the team allows him to rest from the Canada-Russia Super Series. Schenn may need the mental rest more than the physical. But to see him around the rink is always a positive, whether he is on the ice with his teammates, or hob-knobbing it (hanging out) with David and I in the stands.
• Brandon McMillan was wearing a yellow jersey at practice which says - DON'T HIT ME!! McMillan is suffering from a shoulder injury, but if it has affected his shooting, you sure don't notice it. The kids got a bullet. I forecast a solid season for McMillan. He has a nice combination of size, strength and skill. Let's just hope this injury is his only one of the 2007-2008 season.
• Tysen Dowzak returned from the training camp of the Philadelphia Flyers Thursday. Dowzak was at practice, and appears to have an upbeat approach to the season. The likable Dowzak is now one of the elder statesman on the Rockets blueline, as one of just two 19 year-olds. The other is Colin Joe.
• Did you know that Colin Joe has the most WHL games under his belt of any Rocket this season? C-Joe has 180 games in the WHL, just ahead of James McEwan's 171. Justin Bernhardt has played 169 WHL games.
• What Rockets player led the league last season in one WHL statistic? James McEwan led the league in fighting majors with 26. McEwan is looking forward to again standing up for his teammates this season, and enjoys the physical side more than the offensive side. But maybe he will bring both games to the table this season. McEwan had a two goal game against Vancouver last Saturday, and hit the cross bar twice during practice Thursday. In talking to McEwan today, he admitted it would be nice to contribute more offensively, but realizes the reason he is still in this league is for his gritty play, leadership and his ability to be on the winning end of the fight card.
• Torrie Jung returned from the NHL training camp of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and looked sharp. Man is he quick moving side to side, and is extremely tough to beat in tight. Jung appears to be a better practice goaltender than Westblom, but when it comes to game conditions Westblom knows it's for real and is tough to beat. Who gets the start next Saturday against Tri City in the Rockets home-opener? I'm going with the seasoned veteran. Westblom gets the nod, but an early stumble has Jung between the pipes.
• Matt Brusciano didn't practice Thursday, as he continues to feel the affects of a concussion. I noticed Brusciano with a buzz cut, as his hair has been cut down to the bark. When he gets my age he won't be doing that unless it's absolutely necessary.
• I love this time of the year. The Rockets haven't lost a game, everyone is energetic and optimism is high. Of the players I talked with on Thursday, most are tired of pre-season and want the real games to begin next week.
• I watched Lyon Messier for the first time. The newest Rocket didn't catch my eye, nor did he look out of place. It will be interesting to see what he can do in back-to-back games this weekend.

Thompson on Almond

Here's the transcript of the conversation I had today with Minnesota Wild head scout Tommy Thompson on Rockets forward Cody Almond, who was sent back to junior Wednesday.

"He played in three of the four games, in very good competition. He was the youngest player by quite a bit. The only contemporary of his was Colton Gillies, who was playing in the Canada-Russia Super Series. We played him in an unfamiliar position of center, and he preformed well. He's a big guy and will get strong as his strength catches up with his body. He has good hockey sense, and he has some fire in his belly. He has some pride out there, and we were impressed with his play".

Thompson suggested areas of improvement for Almond:

"Cody has to develop his physical strength. Developing his conditioning levels to an NHL level which is not uncommon to young guys, no matter where in the world they come from. Cody also needs to have a consistent, intense worth ethic to be there all the time. The concentration level on the ice to be there 90 percent of the time rather than 70 percent of the time. These things come with maturity. A common theme with you players is every time they lost the puck their first instinct was to put a stick on someone who is beside them. For that reason Cody got four hooking penalties in three games he played."

I was surprised Cody was sent back early from training camp.

"He played well enough that in our early years with the team he probably would have been at the big camp and would have been a candidate to play in pre-season, but the reality is we have some depth of talent in our organization. Their are guys with more experience and are close to making our club, and we have to make some important decisions with those players. Cody's time will come", Thompson added.

Cody TJ Coming Back

Just got off the phone with Minnesota Wild Head Scout Tommy Thompson. Rockets forward Cody Almond is flying back to Kelowna today after attending camp with the Wild. I will have a transcript of my conversation with Thompson shortly.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are also sending Torrie Jung back to junior today.

Regan

The Rockets Captain Is.........

• The Rockets organization is be holding a 'Captain's Luncheon' next Tuesday at Manhattan Point restaurant. The luncheon is a chance for the Rockets to announce the team captain for 2007-2008. We all have a good idea on who the captain will be, simply because of the coaching staff and managements high praise for this individual last season.
• Lyon Messier is now a Kelowna Rocket. His father Mark Messier was nicknamed 'Moose'. The offspring of a moose is a calf. So is Lyon Messier's nickname with the Rockets calf? It has a bad ring to it doesn't it.
• If Messier remains with the team, how sweet would it be for his dad to be a guest coach for one of the Rockets practices? Messier did participate in a Pro vs. Prospects game with Lyon's team in Texas last season, so it's not out of the question.
• Do you want to play goal for the Rockets? With Torrie Jung at the training camp of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Kristofer Westblom has been the only goaltender during practice this week. But let me clarify by saying, Westblom is the only roster goaltender at practice this week. Wayne Pansegrau, the husband of Rockets Executive Assistant Carrie Pansegrau has elected to offer his services, and has geared up to tend goal. I would have offered my services (being a former goaltender), but head shots would have likely been prevalent had I donned the pads. That, and they would have lite me up like a Christmas tree! Not even Kim Dillabaugh could help me, and he's a miracle worker.
• The Rockets had four pro's practicing with the team on Tuesday. Former Rocket Justin Keller was joined by alumni Kris Mallette, Jason Deleurme and Kevin Korol.
• Brandon McMillan skated Tuesday, but didn't take any contact with the bad shoulder. Justin Bernhardt (groin), Kyle Verdino (shoulder) and Matt Brusciano (concussion) didn't practice.
• I had a good chat with Luke Schenn Tuesday. You have to love the kid. He is as personable as they come, and he's from Saskatchewan, so how can you not like the guy? Schenn is fighting off the flu bug after returning from the Canada-Russia Super Series. Schenn had a great time,rooming with Seattle Thunder Bird d-man Thomas Hickey. Schenn wore sweater number 15 for Canada, so I asked him if he would consider changing his number with the Rockets from 5 to 15 this season? Nope. Schenn says #15 is a forwards number, and he's sticking with old faithful - #5.
• I read that Jon Keen and the Swift Current Broncos radio crew are getting ready to do an exhibition game in Kindersley this weekend. The first WHL game I ever called was in that Saskatchewan community back in 1995 when the Swift Current Broncos faced the Medicine Hat in an exhibition game. Eldon Moberg was my analyst that night, and to say I was awful would be an understatement. I can't remember who won, only the fact we did the game in a plexiglas surrounded broadcast booth. You couldn't get a feel for the game, you couldn't hear the players calling for passes and the referee's whistle was barely audible. Maybe that experience alone is the reason why I bock when it's suggested we do a Rockets exhibition game on the radio.
• AM 1150, Kelowna's newest radio station - and the home of the Rockets - has a new website. http://www.am1150.ca/. In two weeks that website will include David Michaud's blog and yours truly. Yes we are moving from this location to the radio station website. If you are a regular reader of this blog, we will keep you in the loop when we make the jump over.

Mark Messier's Kid A Rocket!

The Moose is loose in Kelowna. Or at least the off-spring of the Moose is in K-Town.
The son of former Edmonton Oiler/Ranger/Canuck Mark Messier has been acquired by the Rockets from the Edmonton Oil Kings for future considerations.
In talking to Rockets head coach Ryan Huska tonight, Lyon (pronounced lion) Messier is a non-flashy type of defenseman who is competing for a job now that he's arrived in the Rockets fold. He is not a slam dunk to make the team, but Huska believes he could add some experience on an extremely young blue line. But like any one, he needs to earn a spot on the roster. Messier fills the Rockets quota of three overage players. The other two are Kristofer Westblom and James McEwan. The first question people will ask is why Messier was unable to make an expansion team when they are allotted five 20 year-olds in their first season in the league? The fact is the Oil Kings are extremely heavy back on defense with four overagers, and Messier wasn't able to grab one of the top four spots. I can't speak for the Oil Kings, but it appears they would like to fill that final 20 year-old spot with a forward. Once again that's pure speculation on my part. Huska spoke with Messier by phone Tuesday, and the Burke Virginia native appears to be happy with his move to Kelowna. The Rockets pick up Messier from the airport Wednesday morning at around 7, and he will meet his new teammates before heading to practice in the afternoon.

This is the press release sent out by the Edmonton Oil Kings. The Rockets did not send out a release because their website is under construction.

The Edmonton Oil Kings’ General Manager Bob Green announced today the trade of 20 year old defenceman Lyon Messier to the Kelowna Rockets in exchange for future considerations. The Burke, Virginia native was at Edmonton Oil Kings training camp as a free agent invite. He played last season with the Texas Tornados of the North American Hockey League where he registered 2 goals and 16 assists in 62 regular season games, plus 57 penalty minutes.
“Lyon had a good training camp with us and proved he can play in the league. We’re obviously a little crowded when it comes to players born in 1987 and we’re very happy with the 3 twenty year olds we have on the blue line.” says Green.

Savoring Schenn

Savoring Schenn.
It's something Kelowna Rockets fans should make a point of doing over the next two seasons, because Luke Schenn has two years tops remaining in his WHL career. Sad but true. Schenn will play with the Rockets this season before being drafted next summer. Then it's likely another year in a Rockets uniform as a 19 year-old, before moving on to the bright lights and big city of pro hockey. Luke Schenn returned to the Rockets Monday after competing for Canada against the Russians at the 8 game Hockey Canada Super Series, and proved once again he is world class. While I lost interest in the lopsided series, that should not diminish Schenn's accomplishments of being one of the best players in this country, and likely one of the best d-men in his age group. In my mind Schenn plays as good as those around him, and didn't look out of place playing with an extremely strong Canadian team. Schenn's experience in the Super Series will make him a better player heading into this season. Any time you can spend several weeks under Brent Sutter, that can't be a bad thing. Schenn would have learned a ton from him, and would have observed and likely implemented some things he saw from fellow Canadian teammates along the way. Now he can take that knowledge and use it himself, or he can pass it down to his fellow teammates in Kelowna.
This season Schenn will be the anchor on the Rockets blue line. He'll play in every key situation, both power play and penalty kill and will likely log close to 30 minutes a night. He'll be watched by fellow teammates, and will be considered a leader even though he doesn't turning 18 until November 2nd. Those watchful eyes will also be at every game he plays this season, as NHL scouts anticipate him being a high pick in the 2008 draft. Much is expected of Luke Schenn this season, yet something tells me he will handle that pressure like he handles a puck, with ease. Rocket fans, enjoy Luke Schenn now, because his days are numbered in junior hockey. I'm just glad I have the privilege of watching him over the next two seasons when the Rockets hit the ice.

I Need More Info On Milan

Is it just me, or are their questions surrounding what Kelowna Rockets forward Milan Kytnar can provide the team this season?
The Rockets top pick in the CHL draft was the captain of Slovakia at the Under 18 championships last winter, and was subsequently drafted by the NHL's Edmonton Oilers in this summer's draft. Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton has a good take on the 18 year-old centerman, but it's always nice to get a second opinion when evaluating a player. For that I called up Edmonton Oilers Vice President of Hockey Operations Kevin Pendergast to get his take on what Kytnar brings to the table.
" We were impressed with him at the Under 18's, because he was the captain of the Slovakian team. I was impressed with the way he handled himself on the ice with his leadership and his ability to get things done. I don't think he will ever be a player in the NHL that scores a ton of goals, but he is very reliable at both ends of the ice", Pendergast added. "He's a good face-off guy, a good penalty killer and he takes care of business where he needs too. Milan has a great understanding of the game, and I think so far at training camp he has been pretty good. Obviously it's a pretty big jump to come to this camp, but we are going to keep him for another week to skate with the big guys. We certainly feel that down the road he will be a good third line player in the NHL".

What do the Oilers want him to accomplish with the Rockets this season?

"I believe they (Rockets) are going to be a young team,so again the leadership qualities that we've seen at the Under 18 championships, we need to see. It will take time for him to acclimatize himself to the North American style, but we'd like to see that from him over the next couple of years. I think with his skill, he will probably contribute with some points. The more confidence he gets by playing - from our standpoint - the better player we are going to get in the long run".

Will Kytnar shy away from contact?

"He does not shy away from the rough going. He is not your typical European. He sticks his nose right in there, and like I said the leadership qualities...if your a leader you have to go into the dirty areas to complete, and he certainly did that last year and he has been doing that at training camp."