TRAINING CAMP HOPEFULS INVADE KELOWNA
The Kelowna Rockets have won 93 regular season games over the past two years.
Each edition of the team has reached the Western Conference final, only to succumb to the Seattle Thunderbirds on both occasions. The Rockets’ core group has certainly played plenty of hockey these past two seasons.
But for now, the emphasis will be to build on the successes and create a lineup that can sustain the Rockets high expectations.
It’s time for training camp!
Rookie camp has come and gone in Kelowna, a three-day stretch at Prospera Place where the organization put young hopefuls through the rigors.
“We’ve been running from 9 to 7 everyday,” said assistant coach Kris Mallette in an interview at Prospera Place with DUBNetwork.ca. “These kids, we’ve asked a lot of them and they’ve done a really good job.
“The first day was a feeling out process. As the camp progressed the players have gotten better and better and a lot more comfortable. The pace of play has gotten better. Our draft picks are showing what they can do and there have been some surprises too.”
Of note among draft picks is forward Ethan Bowen, who made good on his promise to attend the rookie camp. Bowen was the Rockets first selection, a second rounder – 39th overall, at the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft. He has made it clear for now that he plans to suit up for the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL in an effort to secure a NCAA scholarship.
Bowen, who checks in at 5’11 and 157 pounds, tallied 33 times and added 29 assists in 29 games last season with his Yale Academy bantam prep team.
“I just want to show the coaches my skill and I want to show them why they drafted me,” said Bowen in an interview with Kevin Bain of the Rockets front office. “You always want to leave your best impression so that’s what I’m trying to do.”
“There was a little bit of nerves. It just took me a little bit to get my feet into the game, but after that I thought I was fine. I wasn’t on the ice as much as I normally would’ve been over the summer because I’ve been in the gym a lot more trying to get stronger and gain weight.”
While many eyes were fixed on Bowen, Mallette suggests the entire group in attendance understood the importance of their respective auditions.
“In the rookie camp especially, it gives our scouting staff a real good idea where the 15- and 16-year-olds are going to be potentially,” Mallette said. “Those that stand out, we can watch them more closely.
“Obviously it would be great to find a diamond in the rough like Shea Weber or a Josh Gorges, but you don’t find those guys too much anymore. There’s so much hockey going on and so many scouts out there. Our staff does a good job and brings in some high talent.”
“For the players, this is a foot in the door and maybe (the start of) a long career with us down the road.”
Following the rookie camp, the Rockets move on to main camp. Fitness testing took place yesterday (Aug. 25).
“We’re looking to have three teams for the first three or four days with some of the players coming out of the rookie camp to fill those spots, just to give them a different look with what our veteran players and the older players are all about,” Mallette said when asked how main camp has been mapped out. “We’ll get down to two in a hurry.
“It’ll be a fun four or five days heading into the exhibition. Our expectations are that our returning players lead the way and our returning players are the hardest workers.”
The Rockets open the exhibition schedule on Sept. 2 when the Victoria Royals come calling to Kelowna.
