Rockets Main Camp Closes Day 1

Day one of the Kelowna Rockets 2011 Western Hockey League training camp came to a close with a spirited game at Prospera Place as prospects, veterans and newcomers began the chase for roster spots.

Forty players are split amongst three teams at main camp as Rockets veterans were joined by prospects and players from the team’s protected list.

Coaches put the players through two practices and then watched two games, looking for the right combination of players that will make up the 2011-12 Rockets lineup.

Defenceman MacKenzie Johnston said it was nice to get back on the ice.

“It was a tough day,” said Johnston. “We started the day off with a good practice this morning. Our game here didn’t go to well for the blue squad but everyone is having fun and getting back into the groove.”

Rockets assistant GM and director of player personnel Lorne Frey said it’s a wide open camp as the team looks to build the best club it can.

“Now it’s a process of trying to determine which of these young men have developed and will develop and hopefully five or six of them will make our hockey team this year,” said Frey

The Rockets will hold two more scrimmages on Wednesday as teams will hit the ice at 10:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Two practices will also be held at Prospera Place as the Rockets get set to begin the exhibition season this weekend with home games on Friday and Saturday.

Training camp closes on Thursday morning.