Blast from Rockets Past : Cody Almond
October 30th, 2013 – Kelowna, BC
Rich Abney – kelownarockets.com
Kelownarockets.com sat down with Cody Almond, who grew from a raw 16 year old to a 20 year old leader in his four years with the Rockets. He was equal parts finesse and tenacity, and helped propel the 2009 Rockets to the Memorial Cup. This week’s edition of Blast from Rockets Past is Cody Almond
KR : Hey Cody, thanks for taking some time to chat with us at kelownarockets.com
CA : My pleasure
KR : You were picked in the 4th round of the 2004 bantam draft, out of Calgary. How did it feel to be selected by the Kelowna Rockets?
CA : I felt very fortunate to be drafted to Kelowna. My grandfather lived there and parents had planned on retiring out there. My brother ended up getting accepted to school out there a few years later so everything seemed to work out.
KR : You played four years in Kelowna. Talk about that experience.
CA : The four years in Kelowna were a special time for me that I’ll never forget. It made me into the person and player I am today. It’s one of the best organizations out there and I was lucky to be a part of it.
KR : Every year, you evolved on the ice, becoming a more complete player. What can you attribute that to?
CA : My family has been a huge support and helped me every step of the way. I take a lot of pride in developing every year and becoming the best player I can be.
KR : In 2007, you became the only Rocket in history to lead the team in scoring as a 17 year old. That team had guys like Chris Ray, Luke Schenn, Tyler Myers, Brandon McMillan, and Colin Long. Did you realize the talent you guys had on that young team?
CA : It’s pretty cool to still have that record knowing all the talented players that have been through Kelowna’s system. I think at the time we knew we had some talented players but weren’t fully aware of how good some guys would be and the success they would have down the road. It’s pretty cool to see guys playing in the top leagues and doing well. I think we’re all very happy for each other.
KR : In 2009, you were a 33 goal man for the team that won the WHL and made the Memorial Cup. Explain the feeling of winning the Dub, and being leaned on for leadership and production 
CA : Winning the WHL and going to the Memorial Cup is definitely one of the highlights of my career. We had such a great team and are still so close. We had a lot of guys playing great hockey and I was proud to be a leader of that team. It’s a great feeling to win a championship especially in front of the amazing fan base we had in Kelowna.
KR : Explain the feeling of being drafted to the NHL, by the Minnesota Wild?
CA : Getting drafted was a cool experience. I wasn’t sure if I would be picked and was actually sleeping when my billet mom, Kathy Drake, woke me up and told me Minnesota was on the phone. It was a great feeling and my family was very proud of me.
KR : Do you remember your first game?
CA : My first game was probably the most nervous I have ever been in my life. I remember sitting next to Owen Nolan and having him tell me to relax and that it would be fine. It was very emotional for me to get that first call up and be able to live my dream. After a few games I started to feel comfortable and it just felt like another hockey game again.
KR : Where has hockey brought you now?
CA : I’m currently playing in Geneva, Switzerland. It’s my second year here. This is the best place for me to develop as a hockey player right now and I’m not sure where I will end up down the road. Just taking one year at a time.
KR : What adjustments did you have to make when you started playing in Europe?
CA : Europe is a different style of hockey. It’s very fast and lots of skating. The games are very intense and entertaining. You’re always in motion and have more time to carry the puck and make plays. It has helped me develop certain areas of my game that needed work.
KR : What is your fondest hockey memory?
CA : Scoring my first NHL goal. It was my fourth NHL game in Vancouver and I had lots of friends and family in the stands. Wasn’t a cheap night for tickets, though. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
KR : How has being a Kelowna Rocket helped you, and affected you in your life?
CA : The Rockets are a lot like a brotherhood. Once you play for them you’re always treated well and a part of the organization. They have helped me become the player and person I am today and I appreciate everything they have done for me.
KR : Do you see yourself being involved in hockey in the future?
CA : Hockey is a big part of my life and it’s possible I could end up doing something related to it after my career. Right now I’m just focused on playing my best and enjoying every moment.
