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Jovorock
06-28-2005, 03:17 PM
Copied from the Rocket web site.
http://kelownarockets.com/

Five Questions on Fans’ Minds This Off-season
by Dana Soleski - June 22, 2005

It’s summertime again! And, yes Virginia, there will be a summer in Kelowna after all despite the recent, extended spate of wet and cool weather. For Rockets’ fans, the rising temperatures will once again coincide with the rising curiosity and expectation that the off-season brings. Here are five questions that many fans might be thinking about these days.

1. Will the WHL adopt any radical new rules for next season?
Radical? Not likely, but there is a good chance a number of notable changes will occur as the CHL follows the NHL lead in trying to inject a bit more offense into the game. At last week’s WHL Annual General Meeting, the Board of Governors strongly endorsed the changes which will be discussed at the CHL Board of Directors Meetings in Montreal, June 21-22. These rule changes include: addition of a minor penalty assessed to a goaltender that unnecessarily freezes the puck in his goal crease, the ‘tag-up’ rule for clearing the zone and preventing an offside stoppage, and the streamlining of goaltender equipment. Stay tuned!

2. How will the Rockets replace three of the starting six defenseman that led them to the 2005 WHL Championship?
Replacement is probably an inappropriate word, but there certainly be ample bodies available to step into the job openings created by the graduations of Captain, Brett Palin and Darren Deschamps and the departure of Shea Weber who will turn pro next year.
For starters, the Rockets expect Kevin Reinholt to be 100% for the first time since season ending shoulder surgery last December. The third year Rocket and former first round Bantam Draft selection was playing strongly in his sophomore campaign before going under the knife and will be counted on to accelerate his progression this coming year.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Colin Joe has a year under his belt to use as a springboard to regular, effective employment at the WHL level. Unlike, the big, bruising Reinholt, Joe is another in a recent line of the tiny, but swift and smart Kelowna defensemen that have ignited the attack in recent seasons. Remember, Kyle Cumiskey was a raw rookie in 2003-04 yet bloomed in his second year.
Finally, newcomers Tysen Dowzak and Luke Schenn are strong candidates. While Schenn will definitely be in camp, the Rockets are anxiously awaiting a decision from Dowzak – a big, talented Minnesota native who some believe is a possible future, first round NHL draft choice. The 6’5, 220 pounder played at Shattuck St. Mary’s High School last season and is contemplating a jump to the USJHL’s Lincoln, Nebraska franchise should he decide against the WHL. And, don’t rule out the possibility of the Rockets drafting a European defenseman in the upcoming CHL Import Draft.

3. Who will be the club’s next Captain?
The betting line has Tyler Spurgeon installed as a prohibitive favourite. But, Chris Ray played great in the season’s second half and established himself as one of the hardest workers in the league. Like Spurgeon, Ray leads by example and earns respect with his gutsy play. Veterans Blake Comeau, Mike Card and Troy Bodie are all expected back and are established and respected performers.

4. Who will be next season’s most improved Rocket or the team’s biggest surprise?
Cumiskey, Ray and Derek Yeomans all probably played better last season than many would have predicted for them. As well, Brent Howarth turned in a tremendous post season that he and the club hope is a sign of things to come. Troy Ofukany roared from the starting gate and displayed a goal scorer’s flare before falling into a dreadful offensive slump to close out the season and the playoffs. They say that whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. If that’s true, look for Ofukany to turn his tough rookie lessons into a big sophomore season.

5. Where will Brett Palin, Tyler Mosienko and Darren Deschamps be next season?
For Palin, 5 seasons of steady, tough defense and mounds of courage will almost certainly earn him a pro contract with an AHL destination a likely starting point. The Calgary Flames had ‘Pales’ at their rookie camp last fall but any of several NHL clubs could offer him a chance at the big time. As for ‘Mosey, he attended the Canucks 2004 rookie camp and a repeat visit would see him vying for an AHL spot in his home town of Winnipeg with the Manitoba Moose. Failing that, an ECHL opportunity will almost certainly transpire. Look for Deschamps to give pro hockey a good shot where his starting point will probably be the ECHL.