At long last, Kelowna Rockets hockey is back.
The club will kick off its brief preseason schedule in Kamloops tonight against the Blazers before the two teams travel to Kelowna for a rematch on Saturday night.
Puck drop is at 7 pm tonight and 6:05 pm on Saturday, with tickets for the showdown at Prospera Place available online, by calling 250-762-5050 or in person at the rink.
After training camp, the Rockets roster has been cut down to 32 players and it will be reduced even more before the season opener on Sept. 21 against the Portland Winterhawks.
As a result, the four games of preseason action over the next two weekends will be a chance for some players to show the coaching staff that they deserve a spot on this year’s roster.
“We’re going to implement a few small details and habits that we want to incorporate with our group. The lineup (this weekend) is going to be very young and inexperienced,” explained head coach Kris Mallette.
“We understand that this is a process to build towards the season, and we’re looking for guys to show that they’re able to be coached while also being really competitive. That’s what we’re looking for.”
That means exciting young and upcoming prospects like Owen Hayden, Levi Benson, Nathan Cole and Kalder Varga will likely see action this weekend.
Unfortunately, there will be no online stream or radio broadcast available for this weekend’s games.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of Steve Dunsmoor/Kelowna Rockets.
