香蕉视频直播淢y expectation is that we will be better than we were last year.香蕉视频直播�
After a big year but a first round exit last season, the Kelowna Rockets are back on the ice ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Training camp has been taking place since Sunday (Sept. 4) at Prospera Place with 56 players.
香蕉视频直播淥ur players returning know what they香蕉视频直播檙e expected of,香蕉视频直播� said Rockets Head Coach Kris Mallette. 香蕉视频直播淭hey came in, they香蕉视频直播檙e working hard, they香蕉视频直播檙e ready to go and there香蕉视频直播檚 some guys that are going to have to take some big steps this year.香蕉视频直播�
Since then, the roster has been reduced to 39 players with 15 players being cut as well as forward Colton Dach (Chicago) and goaltender Tayln Boyko (New York) being sent to their respective NHL training camps.
香蕉视频直播淚f you香蕉视频直播檙e to look at our roster, it香蕉视频直播檚 going to essentially be our team,香蕉视频直播� said Mallette. 香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檇 like to see them dominate in their position. The work ethic side of things is the biggest thing for me. If you香蕉视频直播檙e working, you香蕉视频直播檙e going to be rewarded.香蕉视频直播�
Before camp started last Sunday, rookie camp started on Sept. 1 and Mallette gives credit to not only them but to the team香蕉视频直播檚 scouting staff.
香蕉视频直播淭hey came in and worked extremely hard,香蕉视频直播� said Mallette. 香蕉视频直播淲ith our draft over the past couple years, we haven香蕉视频直播檛 had an early round draft pick so our scouting staff, credit to them, have done a real good job cause there was some young players that came in and showed very well and therefore got to come through to main camp.香蕉视频直播�
In his second year as the team香蕉视频直播檚 head coach, the team had a slow start to the year but a strong second half. Mallette led them to a 42-20-1-5 regular season record.
香蕉视频直播淚n my opinion, I think we overachieved, and that香蕉视频直播檚 not a diss towards our players,香蕉视频直播� said Mallette. 香蕉视频直播淚 think looking at the season before it started, our goal was to make the playoffs, we were in playoffs early. I think this season with guys that are back a year older, knowing what my expectation is for them on the ice, I香蕉视频直播檓 expecting us to compete.香蕉视频直播�
He also noted that the division could be tougher this season with lots of young players in the division.
During the summer, Mallette also had the chance to be behind the bench and win gold as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Two of his Rockets players, forward Andrew Cristall and defenceman Caden Price were on the team.
香蕉视频直播淛ust a real big honour obviously, to be able to represent your country,香蕉视频直播� said Mallette. 香蕉视频直播淭hat age group, the 2005 is real special throughout Canada. To have Andrew (Cristall) and Caden (Price) with me was really special. Both faired extremely well. They香蕉视频直播檙e weren香蕉视频直播檛 passengers, they were both guys that our staff leaned on heavily and they had great success because of it and hopefully that confidence transpires as we move forward throughout this season. They香蕉视频直播檙e two very special (players) that have a real bright future.香蕉视频直播�
On top of winning gold, Price enjoyed the chance just to play at the international level.
香蕉视频直播淚t was super cool, playing international hockey in the middle of summer, having that compete level, it was pretty cool,香蕉视频直播� said Price. 香蕉视频直播淭o top it off with a gold medal with Kris and A.C. (Cristall) there was a really good experience overall.香蕉视频直播�
Entering his second season as a Rocket, Price is looking to take a step forward and is happy with what he香蕉视频直播檚 seen at training camp.
香蕉视频直播淚 think it香蕉视频直播檚 been good so far, I think there香蕉视频直播檚 a good compete level out there,香蕉视频直播� said Caden Price. 香蕉视频直播淚 like the battle level and chippiness of some of the games that we香蕉视频直播檙e going into. They feel like a real game and the compete level is high out there, everybody is trying to earn their spot and show what they can do out there.香蕉视频直播�
The 17-year old scored twice and added 19 assists and a +24 rating in 47 games last season and is looking for himself and the team to go further than last season.
香蕉视频直播淲e香蕉视频直播檙e a confident group and if everything falls into line, we have a good pretty good season ahead for out group,香蕉视频直播� said Price.
香蕉视频直播�-
Last chance at season tickets
The team has announced that Sunday, Sept. 11 will be the last chance fans have to purchase season tickets as they香蕉视频直播檙e hosting a season ticket open house.
Gate one at Prospera Place will be open from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
READ MORE: Kelowna Rockets reduce roster
READ MORE: Hitting the ice at Rutland Arena: Kelowna Chiefs to host preseason showcase
jordy.cunningham@kelownacapnews.com
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