Image Credit: Contributed/Kelowna Rockets
August 23, 2016 - 9:52 AM
KELOWNA - The Kelowna Rockets opened its 2016 rookie training camp today, Aug. 23, in Kelowna, welcoming close to 80 young hockey prospects and their families to Prospera Place.
Players registered and were introduced to the Rockets full scouting and hockey staff by GM Bruce Hamilton, who also introduced head coach Jason Smith. Smith told the players to seize the opportunity.
"It's an opportunity to make an impression," said Smith, a former captain in the NHL. "Come here and work hard and leave with the Rockets' organization knowing your name. Remember that every time you hit the ice someone will be watching."
Rookie camp games begin Tuesday morning at Prospera Place with four games daily.
Players at the rookie camp are born in 2001 and 2000. They are split into four teams and each player will play two games a day from Tuesday until Thursday and one more game on Friday morning. Players return to their minor hockey organizations.
The Rockets will then open its main training camp which will run until August 31.
Kelowna will play a five game exhibition season with three games at Prospera Place: Sept. 3, 9 and 16 before opening the WHL regular season with a home-and-home series with Kamloops: Sept. 23 in Kamloops and Sept. 24 in Kelowna.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016