When the Kelowna Rockets began the current Western Hockey League campaign, there was both uncertainty and anticipation.
Uncertainty…due in large part to the quality of offensive talent the team graduated after the 2017-18 season.
Anticipation…due in large part to both the roster transformation and the city’s pursuit to host the 2020 Memorial Cup.
Unfortunately, the Rockets proceeded to win only two of its first 11 games and quickly became basement dwellers in the Western Conference standings. It was a completely unexpected start to the season, a compelling head-scratcher that had the entire local hockey community reeling.
Some normalcy appeared to prevail when the team traveled to Vancouver Island and dominated the Victoria Royals (then 8-1), sweeping both games of the doubleheader. At 4-9, the ledger remained disturbing to look at and when the Rockets dropped a 3-1 decision to the Giants in Vancouver to complete its three games in three night road trip, there was at least a notion that some normalcy was beginning to surface.
Then the hammer fell.
On Oct. 22, the Rockets brain trust made a decision unlike any it has had to make for many years.
Head coach Jason Smith was relieved of his duties. It was a surprise in some quarters, given the successful road trip.
Perhaps even more surprising was the news the next day when the organization announced that Adam Foote would be taking over behind the bench.
For Foote, it was a decision he didn’t take lightly, one that forced the 47-year-old to summon up every bit of coaching savvy he could muster. Having played over 1,300 regular season and playoff games in the National Hockey League, Foote has been able to draw on his experience with the likes of Ted Nolan, Mark Crawford, Bob Hartley, Ken Hitchcock and Joel Quenneville.
Since the coaching change, Kelowna has gone 7-5-1 and a playoff berth is in sight.
Now over a month into his foray behind the Rockets bench, Foote has been able to establish himself as an engaging, cerebral interview. Initially, he cited fitness as one of the key priorities, suggesting that the team had to be in better shape to be able to play a more up-tempo style. The team’s commitment to fitness has been evident during practices.
Prior to the Rockets 2-1 loss at Prospera Place on Nov. 28, Foote and the coaching staff had guided the team to five straight wins on home ice. That’s a streak that definitely matters to the fan base, especially due to the tough start this season.
At 11-15-1, Kelowna is certainly not out of the woods yet, in terms of securing a post-season berth. Currently tied with the Prince George Cougars for third place in the B.C. Division, the Cats have one game in hand on the Rockets. Although Kelowna trails the second place Victoria by only one point, the Royals have six games in hand. Kamloops trails Kelowna by three point, but has five games in hand.
The Rockets face the Tri City Americans in Washington state on Friday, then return home to host the Saskatoon Blades on Saturday.
DUBNetwork spoke with Foote during the week prior to the game against Vancouver.
