Thursday, September 4, 2008

Big Weekend For The Backup's

  • Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton told me Wednesday at practice that they will make a decision on a backup goaltender after this weekend. So to say this is a HUGE weekend for Dylan Tait and Adam Brown would be an understatement. Here is a video of Brown in action, followed by a clip of Tait in practice.
  • On strictly skating style, Stepan Novotny sure looks like former Kelowna Rocket Jan Fadry. Fadry was the last real European goal scorer the Rockets had in their lineup. Fadry scored 32 goals and put up 77 points in 56 games as a 20 year-old in 2000-2001. Fadrny was acquired that season in a trade with Brandon.
  • The Rockets have had some solid Euro's in the past, but Alexander Edler and Tomas Slovak were defenseman. Tomas Oravec had 21 goals and 65 points in 65 games as a forward in 2000-2001.
  • Veteran goaltender Torrie Jung will have a chance to face his brother Mikael Friday night when the Rockets make a visit to Vancouver to face the Giants in pre-season action. Jung, the 19 year-old veteran, will face Mikael, the 16 year-old Giants forward. Torrie is an automatic to make the Rockets, but Mickael may be on the bubble with the Giants? So, does big brother allow his little bro to score on him to enhance his chances of making the team? I asked Torrie that question Wednesday before practice. His answer? "No".
  • Kirt Hill has been released by the Regina Pats. The twenty year-old forward will now sit around to see if any other WHL team is interested in his services. If he clears waivers by Monday, he's free to play anywhere, including tier two. With Hill's departure from Regina, does that six player deal with the Pats a few years back look that bad now Rocket fans? Forward Kyle St. Denis remains the only player from that deal still actively playing in the league.
  • A former stick boy with the Kelowna Rockets is now in the Western Hockey League as a player. Cody Sylvester has made the roster of the Calgary Hitmen as a 16 year-old. Cody is the younger brother of Dustin Sylvester of the Kootenay Ice. The Sylvester's mom is Kim, the office manager with the Kelowna Rockets.

9 comments:

Malc said...

Isn't Justin Bernhardt still playing with Prince Albert?

Regan Bartel said...

Correct. Bernie was traded to PA for a fourth round bantam pick. But yes he is a former Pat, but was not involved in that 6 player deal.

caley said...

Hey Regan, what do you make of Oilers' first round pick Alex Plante demanding a trade from the Calgary Hitmen. Would he be a good fit along the Rockets' blueline?

g.k said...

Regan is it pronounced Stefan or just likes its spelt Stepan?? Could we see Kirt Hill come here since were short a couple of 20's

Regan Bartel said...

Pronounce it exactly as it looks. His name is easy. As for Kirt Hill...don't hold your breath on it.

Jared Comeau said...

I remember a certain Stepen being Plowed over by Schenner last year HAHA

"Alzner outlet pass against the right wall...cleared by Schultz back to center ice... Right side Stepan..STEEEPANNN......HIT ON THE PLAY BY LUKE SCHENN AT THE KELOWNA ROCKET BLUELINE Thats a Huuuge hit...There's a fight behind the play"

KILLER play! Oct 10th last year against Calgary...HAHA

Regan Bartel said...

The great thing about that sequence was not only did Schenn knock the **** out of the Hitmen forward, but he fought their tough guy and won! Note to self...Schenn can throw with his left.

Malc said...

...but I thought the 6 player deal was Bernhardt along with Jason MacDonald and Kyle St. Denis came to Kelowna in exchange for Troy Ofukany, Kurt Hill and Kaspars Saulietis.

Regan Bartel said...

I stand corrected Malcolm. But that said, the Rockets still look pretty good following that deal. It will only look bad if Bernhardt scores 50 goals this season. Don't laugh. Seth Leonard did it when he was 20..and oddly enough after a trade from Kelowna to PA.