Saturday, December 4, 2010

Rockets beat beast from the east

  • He wasn't named a game star, but 17 year-old Colton Sissons played a pivotal role in the Kelowna Rockets 6-3 win over the Saskatoon Blades Saturday night. It wasn't his opening goal that sparked his team, but a solid open ice hit on Blades defenceman Stefan Elliott in the first period seemed to give the Rockets the belief that they wouldn't back down without a fight. Elliott found himself flat on his back after running into Sissons at the side of his own net and then took a penalty moments later for high sticking. Sissons aggressive play resulted in a momentum shift of sorts that wasn't evident until the two team's took the ice for the start of the second period.
  • Despite being down 2-1 after 20 minutes, the Rockets rallied with three unanswered goals in a span of 2:19 in the second frame for a 4-2 lead. Another 17 year-old, this time Shane McColgan, got the ball rolling by out waiting Blades goaltender Adam Morrison before shooting the puck through his legs to tie the game at two. Geordie Wudrick and Evan Bloodoff then score 18 seconds apart and the Rockets are on their way in handing the Blades just their 7th loss of the season.
  • Rockets goaltender Adam Brown was named the games first star for a series of sensational saves when his team is trailing 2-1. Brown robs Blades forward Josh Nicholls in the first period with a sensational right pad save and then denies overage forward Marek Viedensky twice from point blank range in the second period when the Blades are applying the pressure to make it 3-1.
  • McColgan, Mitchell Callahan, Damon Severson and Tyson Barrie each have multiple point games. McColgan's two point effort helps him surpass the 100 point plateau for his career.
  • No question the win is a big one for the Rockets, who take advantage of a Blades team playing their fourth game in five night's.Mitchell Callahan's power play goal at the 12 minute mark of the third essentially puts the game out of reach. The air goes out of the tires of the Blades with that goal, as the visitors have no hope of a possible comeback.
  • Can I be critical of the fans? I am a little disappointed that several of them start leaving with 5 minutes left to go in the game with the Rockets leading 6-3. Are we really in such a hurry to get home that we can't wait for the final buzzer? And where is the buzz in the building and the response from the fans in celebration as time is ticking down that 'their team' has just beaten one of the best in the WHL? Are we too spoiled with all the winning over the years that we don't recognize the huge accomplishment? Am I wrong here? Leave your comment below if I am. If you don't, it tells me I hit the nail on the head.
  • Again referee Jeff Ingram sits idly by as fellow official Derek Herman takes the drivers seat when calling penalties. Ingram is extremely passive in making calls, something we saw in Kamloops last month. It's not like he didn't make any calls on the night, but he was extremely hesitant to whistle the play down for blatantly obvious infractions.
  • It is nice to see the Saskatoon Star Phoenix newspaper still cares about it's readership by sending its beat report on the Blades Western Conference road trip. Cory Wolfe is traveling with the team during its five game swing. Wolfe sticks out like a sore thumb in the press box as few if any newspaper reporters are seen traveling with a WHL team during these tough economic times.

11 comments:

FanFromTheCheapSeats said...

Fans leaving is PATHETIC, it takes 7 Minutes to get out of downtown when it is packed, they would still get home in time to see Peter Mansbridge at 10.

No mention of Mitch getting handled? Did he get off to a bad start, or whould he have gotten pummelled a second time?

MG said...

I am not sure Mitch would have one a second. We are really lacking a player that can fight the big fight, but Astles shouldn't be underestimated.

Regan is right ot be critical. However on the other side. I do not live far from the arena and it has taken me over 30 min to get home at times. Poor parking is the main reason.

Aly said...

I couldn't agree more.I swear if its a blow out (either team winning, doesn't matter)people start leaving after 50/50. I wait about 2 minutes after the 3 stars and it really doesn't take that long to get out of there. Sad.
Anyway... Good luck to them on their Alberta swing, I'm sure they'll do awesome! Go Rockets Go!!

Ryan said...

why do you and Mr Sunshine worry so much when people leave early. Sunshine has to go on about it every game. Who cares if people leave if the game is out of hand, close or in the 1st period. Relax, enjoy the game for your own reasons and dont worry about something that has zero impact on the game.

Kelowna fans are pathetic with creating any atmosphere anyway, although Mr Sunshine would likely say otherwise, some early leavers doesnt impact the noise or atmosphere anyway.

I know there are only so many thngs to discuss on air and Mr Sunshine repeats them each game, but he needs to put this issue to bed.

jaz301 said...

I agree with you 100% about the fans. It sad. If we have a huge lead fans leave. If we are down by a lot they leave. And sometimes even if the game is close I see fans leaving.

And another thing about the fans is I have noticed they are quite quiet. They cheer when they score, and when it is up on the screen, but for the most part nothing. Guys are always trying to start chants, but no one really follows. What is up with that?

Boondocker said...

Irritates the hell out of me to see fans leaving early in any game. In particular in last nights game against one of the premier teams in the league. I think it is disrespectful to the teams to be rushing out early. We are so lucky to have a class organization like the Rockets in our community. Regan, good for you for bringing it up.
Regan, can you elaborate on a post you made a month or two ago. You mentioned that the team hired a sports psychologist or something along that line. It has occurred to me that we have had lots of talent on the team since day one and it seems to me that we have seen a very positive (winning) attitude from the team. Just wondering how much you credit the newcomer?

Regan Bartel said...

Peter Soberlak is his name. Ex teammate of Rockets assistant Dan Lambert. No question he has been a positive addition to the team. Not sure he is the entire reason behind the turnaround though?

Gord McGarva said...

I am just glad the sun continues to shine on the Rockets.

The boys deserved a standing ovation from a full house for their performance on the ice Saturday night. Saskatoon is the 5th ranked team in the CHL.

I hope the Rockets are given a tremendous send off by the Propera faithful as the team head to Alberta for a five game road trip. These young men deserve it.

Thanks Rockets for an entertaining last five weeks. I am looking forward to Wednesday night and the second half of the season.

Jared Comeau said...

I am constantly attempting to get the crowd going with go rockets go chants. Very hard to get anyone to follow suit unless it's the playoffs.

bcdfan said...

I live out of town so if the game is "won" the wife and I leave with about a min or 2 left. It is awful hard to be critical of the Kelowna fans when they do show up at Prospera 6000+ strong for every game. If the fans are not "lively" enough for some maybe they should venture out to Chilliwack, Kamloops, PG etc to see what the other fans are like. They then would appreciate what they have at home.

daryl said...

hey, at least the place is full... I'm pretty sure the players aren't sitting there watching if the fans are leaving with 5 mins left...
I personally stay and enjoy the three stars and applaud their efforts but if people want to spend their 15 bucks and leave early thats up to them... I have heard many fans from out of town comment on how nice it is that the Kelowna "faithful" are there for their team each and every game... yes some games are quiet and some games you can feel a buzz... but the fans are always there and that is what the boys on the bench notice... they know no matter who they're playing the 6000+ faithful will be there... would I like the atmosphere to improve abit? Sure I would... but I do believe based on what I've seen at other arenas that Kelowna has the most faithful fanbase going! Good for us!