Young alumni to the show
r By Kevin Parnell – Kelownarockets.com
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r How would Tyler Myers, Cody Almond, Jamie Benn and Mikael Backlund look in Kelowna Rockets uniforms this season?
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r Despite the fact all four are still young enough to be playing junior hockey, you'll have to use your imagination because all four are playing in the NHL right now.
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r Of course much has been written about Tyler Myers, (19, Buffalo) and Jamie Benn, (20, Dallas) who are both in the midst of outstanding rookie NHL seasons. But the pair have been joined recently in the NHL by Cody Almond, (20, Minnesota) and Mikael Backlund, (20. Calgary)
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r So four guys who were with the Rockets last year as they attempted to chase down a Memorial Cup have stepped up to the NHL. Amazing.
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r "As an organization we're very proud that four players off our team last year are playing in the NHL," said Rockets head coach Ryan Huska. "I think it shows how important winning as a team is to individual success. We're honoured that we had a part in their development in becoming professional hockey players."
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r The four of course become part of the growing number of former Rockets players who have hit the big time. From current Canadian Olympic defencemen Shea Weber (Nashville) and Duncan Keith (chicago) to local boy Josh Gorges of the Montreal Canadiens, former Rockets are all over the NHL.
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r Remember former import Lauris Darzins? He'll also play in the Olympics as a member of the Latvian national team.
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r Those guys are just a small sampling of the former Rockets who have hit the big time, playing pro hockey in the NHL, in Europe and all over North America.
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r It's become part of the legacy of the Rockets organization. Play in Kelowna and those behind the bench and in management will do whatever they can to make you a better player and help you reach your goal.
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r And what better legacy could there be for a team?
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r Congratulations to those players who have moved on, yet keep coming back to Kelowna and visiting the Rockets. And good luck to the future crop of players, working every day to get better.
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