Rockets open the season in Kamloops tonight
By Wyatt Fossett – kelownarockets.com
The Kelowna Rockets open the 2013-14 Western Hockey League season with a home and home series against the Kamloops Blazers this weekend, beginning with Friday night’s tilt at the Interior Savings Centre in Kamloops.
Coming off a second round sweep at the hands of the Blazers in the playoffs last spring, this year’s Rockets’ roster looked sharp in pre-season play. They finished off the exhibition season with a 3-1 record, including a pair of wins over the Blazers who went 1-4 in the pre-season.
Third year forward Tyson Baillie led the Rockets in preseason scoring (4 goals, 4 assists) over the four games while sophomore center Rourke Chartier put up seven points (2 goals, 5 assists).
“Rourke loves to play the game. We expect him to be a key piece of our organization for years to come,” said Rockets head coach Ryan Huska via Twitter this week.
With the likely departure of Rockets captain Colton Sissons (to the NHL’s Nashville Predators), the Rockets have yet to name a new captain and will head into the season with a leadership group of young emerging stars.
“We are looking to a leadership group early in the season and see who steps out and wants the challenge,” said Huska.
Late this week the New Jersey Devils sent forward Myles Bell back to Kelowna, bolstering the Rockets attack after leading the team last season with 93 points. That left just Damon Severson still at an NHL camp, also with the Devils.
Last year, the Rockets went 52-16-3 on their way to the playoffs. Kelowna and Kamloops met 10 times with the Blazers taking the head-to-head series by a 6-4 margin. The home and home set this weekend is a perfect way to start the season.
The Rockets home opener is Saturday at Prospera Place.
Order your tickets by clicking here or drop by the Prospera Place box office or call 250-762-5050.
