As another season junior hockey season approaches. I will be putting in my input on standings in each respective division.
I will be starting off with the BC Division.
Kelowna Rockets Preseason Roster
OVERAGERS:
In terms of overagers this year for the Rockets, listed on the roster they're a total of five. Forwards Myles Bell, Zach Franko and Colton Sissons with Mackenzie Johnston on the backend and Jordon Cooke between the pipes.
With Sissons being likely to play with the Predators organization, leaves four left to fight for the final spots. With Bell and Franko leading the team in scoring, you have to think that both will be staying with the Rockets for another season. In my opinion either Johnston or Cooke could be gone. Neither loss would impact the team as much due to the fact that both positions they play are pretty full depth wise. Cooke will get the final overage spot, with Whistle playing backup and Morrissey getting another year to develop.
2014 ELIGIBLES TO WATCH
Tyson Baillie - The one thing you notice about Tyson is his ability to produce in clutch situations. Leading the team in playoff scoring in that tight series against the Seattle Thunderbirds this year. He is definetly one to watch offensively to produce heavy numbers on a contending Kelowna Rockets club, I predict a top 45 selection in the NHL draft with a chance of going in the top 30.
Rourke Chartier - For a offensive team, Chartier brings a bit more of a responsible two-way game to the table for the Rockets. A decent penalty killer who plays bigger then his size. His game could definitely translate to the next level.
Riley Stadel - Playing with Madison Bowey definetly has it's perks, and for Riley Stadel getting to develop your game with such young talented defenseman is going to make him a sought after guy in the draft. A bigger kid who can move the puck and play a solid positional game.
GRADES
Offense: A
With many of the same players returning to the lineup, with young players growing one more year, a powerhouse offense just get better, Bell and Franko provide veteran experience to along with Tyson Baille, Ryan Olsen and up and coming stud Nick Merkley, and depth with Chartier, Tyrell Goulbourne and Colton Heffley playing roles, the rich just get richer I suppose.
Defense: A
For a organization known to built top-notch defenseman, the Rockets have nothing to worry about on the back end. Damon Severson becomes a year older, 2013 draftees Madison Bowey and Mitch Wheaton, along with Bruins camp invitee Jesse Lees gain one more year of experience. Add Riley Stadel to the mix, darkhorses Joe Gatenby and Dalton Yorke. I say opponents should be worried.
Goaltending: B+
Although they do have two excellent goalies and one up and coming in Jake Morrissey. Cooke and Whistle will be playing a 1a and 1b situation, Jackson Whistle is determined to get the starting job after getting passed up in this year's NHL Draft, both will carry their load.
Overall: A
No surprises here, I think this team has got a lot of promise and should be without a doubt a contender for the championship.
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