Rookie Camp Opens with a Bang
Aug. 21, 2013 – Kelowna, BC
One of the biggest Kelowna Rockets rookie camps ever began Wednesday as close to 180 prospects from far and wide poured into Prospera Place to register and here messages from Kelowna Rockets management and staff.
“I’d like to congratulate the 11 drafted players that are here, that we drafted in the bantam draft,” said Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton. “But everyone here is on the same page and will be given equal opportunity. NHL players Josh Gorges, Shea Weber and Duncan Keith were players that sat where you are sitting as invites.”
Players, the majority born in 1998, will hit the ice tomorrow morning at 7:30 and each player will play seven games total, two a day from Thursday until Saturday night and one on Sunday as camp comes to a close.
Hamilton said players will be given every chance to make impress.
“You’ll have an opportunity to show us what you do best,” he said in welcoming the players and parents to Kelowna. “We’re not evaluating you on one shift. We’re going to evaluate you on seven games. If things don’t go well don’t panic just make your next shift your best one.”
Some players will be invited to Rockets main training camp, which begins on Monday.
