Tyson Barrie Named Rockets Captain
By Kevin Parnell
The new leadership group of the Kelowna Rockets is set.
Tyson Barrie will wear the C as the Rockets captain, while Evan Bloodoff, Colton Jobke and newcomer Kevin Smith will weat A’s as assistant captains.
The team made the announcement on Thursday night, just days before the start of another Western Hockey League season.
Barrie inherits the C from Lucas Bloodoff and becomes the Rockets’ 19th captain in franchise history.
“It’s a huge honour for me,” said Barrie on Thursday night. “The Kelowna Rockets are a first class organization and I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of good leaders while I’ve been here. If you look back even further there’s a lot of good leaders that have played here and they have had lots of success.”
Barrie was an assistant captain last year when he was named the WHL’s top defenceman, logging more than 30 minutes per night in an exceptional season.
This year Kelowna fans are looking forward to more from the now 19-year-old Victoria native.
“This is Tyson’s fourth year with us and every year he has been a guy that plays to win each and every night,” said Rockets head coach Ryan Huska. “He has a lot of respect in the dressing room and the same amount of respect in the coaches’ office. He was a natural choice for us.”
Barrie will be joined as team captains by 20-year-old forward Evan Bloodoff and a pair of blueliners: Second year Rockets player Colton Jobke and 19-year-old Kevin Smith, acquired via trade in the off season.
“Evan, Colton and Kevin are guys that have shown that they have leadership qualities,” said Huska. “They are going to do a great job supporting Tyson. We’re very comfortable with the four guys that will be leading our hockey team.”
The Rockets begin play in the WHL’s regular season this Saturday night when they host the Prince George Cougars at 7:05 p.m. at Prospera Place. (But Tickets).
