Nolan Foote is putting together a solid rookie campaign
Some days it’s hard to believe that rookie Nolan Foote only turned 16 in November, but the youngest Kelowna Rocket on the roster is quietly putting together a solid rookie season.
He was drafted in the second round of the 2015 WHL Bantam draft by the Rockets, just one year after his older brother Cal was also taken in the second round by the club.
Foote played his minor hockey with the Colorado Thunderbirds program. The program has produced NHL players Jaccob Slavin, Seth Jones, and Brandon Carlo. Angelo Ricci, formerly a skills development coach with the Buffalo Sabres, coached Foote. Ricci helped Foote discover his offensive touch. Last season Foote posted 38 points (18G, 20A) in 32 games with their U16 team before his season came to an early end after suffering a broken collarbone.
In March of last year Foote was invited to the 2016 USA National Team Development Program (NTDP) Evaluation camp. He holds dual citizenship having been born in the United States, and having Canadian parents. The program has an alumni program filled with NHL stars like Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, and Phil Kessel. Foote said the invite interested him, but he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play here in Kelowna.
“Kelowna is a great team with a great history. Cal is also here. To be able to come here and play with him in front of our parents is something special,” said Foote.
Over the summer Foote contracted Mono which forced him to miss the Kelowna Rockets training camp, but that didn’t stop him from making the team. He had to wait until October 7th to make his WHL debut. Three games later he picked up his first WHL point with an assist against the Saskatoon Blades. It took just five games for Foote to score his first WHL goal on a picture perfect play, older brother Cal found Nolan at center ice, he then skated in alone and fired it home. He and his older brother shared a great moment.
He appeared in seven games to start off the season before departing to participate in the World Under-17 Challenge as a member of Team Canada Black. While he was there he picked up two assists in six games while helping his team to a silver medal.
He returned to the Rockets lineup on November 12th and jumped right back onto the score sheet with an assist that night against Prince George. Since coming back he’s potted 12 points (8G, 4A) over 21 games. He credits his strong play to being awarded more ice time.
“When our stars left for the World Juniors I gained some confidence being put in situations that I haven’t really had the chance at like on the power play,” said Foote.
Foote was off to a hot start after returning from the Christmas break collecting three points (3G, 0A) in four games. He’s been sidelined with an injury since January 5th, but once he returns he’ll look to continue his offensive production and cap off a great rookie season.
By Paige Bednorz
