nivek_wahs
10-05-2007, 09:50 AM
http://www.kelownacapnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=113&cat=40&id=1077202&more=0
New Rockets debut on weekend
By Warren Henderson
SPORTS Reporter
Oct 05 2007
It’s wasn’t exactly an overhaul, but the Kelowna Rockets will be sporting a bit of a new look this weekend.
Newly-acquired forwards Jamie Benn and Brady Leavold are expected to make their Rocket debuts, while veteran defenseman Colin Joe will play his first game of the 2007-08 WHL regular season tonight against the Seattle Thunderbirds, 7 p.m. at Prospera Place.
Benn, a 42-goal scorer in the BCHL last season, chose the Rockets over a future with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, while Leavold, 20, was acquired Tuesday in a trade with the Swift Current Broncos.
Joe, 19, will rejoin the blue line corps after missing three weeks with a broken bone in his wrist.
“Having Colin back will be huge for us,” said Rockets head coach Ryan Huska. “He’s one of our assistant captains and a leader for us. We’re very happy for Colin because he’s been anxious to get going again.”
As for Benn and Leavold, the Rockets coaching staff hopes their presence will motivate some of the team’s other forwards to raise the level of their games, while also creating some healthy competition.
“It’s been said before that we need to get more out of our older guys up front and bringing in some quality players should push them that much harder,” said Huska. “If one of our older guys doesn’t give us what we need, we’ve got lots of bodies around here we can put into their place.
“I think our team is beginning to take shape.”
The latest roster additions have made a casualty out of Jason MacDonald. The Rockets designated the 19-year-old forward for assignment on Wednesday and MacDonald is currently at home in Calgary weighing his options.
Kelowna’s roster now stands at 26, including four overage players—Leavold, goaltender Kris Westblom, forward and captain James McEwen
The Rockets must be down to three 20-year-olds by next Thursday.
“The overage situation will pretty much work itself out this weekend,” added Huska.
Rocket Shots…
The Rockets (1-2-1-0) and Thunderbirds (1-0-1-0) will complete a home-and-home set on Saturday night at Key Arena in Seattle…Kelowna will visit the Vancouver Giants on Monday, the third meeting of the season between the teams. The Giants won 2-1 on Sept. 26 at Prospera Place and 5-0 three nights later at the Pacific Coliseum, outshooting the Rockets 48-9…Forward Brandon McMillan, 17, leads the Rockets in scoring with three goals and three assists in four games.
New Rockets debut on weekend
By Warren Henderson
SPORTS Reporter
Oct 05 2007
It’s wasn’t exactly an overhaul, but the Kelowna Rockets will be sporting a bit of a new look this weekend.
Newly-acquired forwards Jamie Benn and Brady Leavold are expected to make their Rocket debuts, while veteran defenseman Colin Joe will play his first game of the 2007-08 WHL regular season tonight against the Seattle Thunderbirds, 7 p.m. at Prospera Place.
Benn, a 42-goal scorer in the BCHL last season, chose the Rockets over a future with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, while Leavold, 20, was acquired Tuesday in a trade with the Swift Current Broncos.
Joe, 19, will rejoin the blue line corps after missing three weeks with a broken bone in his wrist.
“Having Colin back will be huge for us,” said Rockets head coach Ryan Huska. “He’s one of our assistant captains and a leader for us. We’re very happy for Colin because he’s been anxious to get going again.”
As for Benn and Leavold, the Rockets coaching staff hopes their presence will motivate some of the team’s other forwards to raise the level of their games, while also creating some healthy competition.
“It’s been said before that we need to get more out of our older guys up front and bringing in some quality players should push them that much harder,” said Huska. “If one of our older guys doesn’t give us what we need, we’ve got lots of bodies around here we can put into their place.
“I think our team is beginning to take shape.”
The latest roster additions have made a casualty out of Jason MacDonald. The Rockets designated the 19-year-old forward for assignment on Wednesday and MacDonald is currently at home in Calgary weighing his options.
Kelowna’s roster now stands at 26, including four overage players—Leavold, goaltender Kris Westblom, forward and captain James McEwen
The Rockets must be down to three 20-year-olds by next Thursday.
“The overage situation will pretty much work itself out this weekend,” added Huska.
Rocket Shots…
The Rockets (1-2-1-0) and Thunderbirds (1-0-1-0) will complete a home-and-home set on Saturday night at Key Arena in Seattle…Kelowna will visit the Vancouver Giants on Monday, the third meeting of the season between the teams. The Giants won 2-1 on Sept. 26 at Prospera Place and 5-0 three nights later at the Pacific Coliseum, outshooting the Rockets 48-9…Forward Brandon McMillan, 17, leads the Rockets in scoring with three goals and three assists in four games.