Opening night was a delight

Were you not entertained?

Russell Crowe’s quote from more than 20 years ago as Maximus Decimus Meridius in ‘Gladiator’ best describes what we witnessed Saturday night in the Kelowna Rockets home opener.

Sure, we didn’t like the end result, a 6-5 overtime loss to the Portland Winterhawks, but the game was nothing short of terrific.

Eleven goals were scored. A penalty shot. A thunderous hit by Rockets d-man Jackson DeSouza. Two terrific goals from sophomore sensation Andrew Cristall, and five goals – combined – in the third period were amazing. It was a classic opening night game, where mistakes were plentiful, yet the action was intense.

It was so nice to see the fans back in big numbers at Prospera Place. A solid 4,516 attended Saturday’s game. It was the second largest crowd of any of the 22 teams across the WHL on the opening weekend. Only Saskatoon had more with 6,300 patrons taking in the Blades opener. At this time last year, health restrictions allowed only 50 per cent capacity, so to have the doors wide open to the masses was great to witness.

I always love opening night. There is a freshness about it. Everyone has high hopes. Every team is undefeated and you can feel the excitement in the air as fans enjoy the warm, fall weather outside before sitting in that familiar season ticket seat for another exciting winter of Kelowna Rockets hockey. Seeing all the Rockets jerseys worn by admiring fans is always a great look. Optimism abounds.

Due to health restrictions last season, the WHL chose to start the season in early October. I’m thinking that start date may work better with so many top end players unavailable to their junior teams as they push for spots at NHL training camps. Colton Dach (Chicago) and Tayln Boyko (NY Rangers) were absent for the Rockets lineup while the Winterhawks had three players attending pro camps. Ideally, a later start to the season would enable teams to dress a more skilled lineup.

What Kelowna Rocket player stood out for me on opening night? I would say 19 year-old defender Jackson DeSouza played well. Trust me, like his teammates, no one was void of mistakes, but I thought he was quite noticeable. I spoke about his hard hit on Winterhawks forward Kyle Chyzowski, but his long reach also allowed him to get out of trouble. The 6’4″ defender also had a breakaway chance after coming out of the penalty box. Can you imagine had he scored? The outspoken DeSouza has one goal in 71 career games. I also liked how he stepped up to defend a teammate, receiving a cross checking penalty in the process, but not shying away from the battle.

We had a first look at the Portland Winterhawks new jerseys. While the new logo was unveiled last season, the colour combinations are eerily similar to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. I was corrected on the broadcast the other night, calling the piping on the jerseys powder blue, when they are aptly named – ‘squall gray’. Some would suggest I am colour blind.

As a broadcaster, I found the white jersey difficult to identify both the players’ number and name. I anticipate the darker jersey will provide a better contrast, allowing the number and name bar to pop.

It was nice being back on the radio after a 147 day absence. Like the players, we too have first game jitters and the hopes of an error free broadcast quickly evaporated. The key was to get the radio station call letters right. I am pleased to report, I said ‘104-7 The Lizard’ with accuracy every time.

At its core, hockey is the fabric of our country. It is a place where people gather and grow up together.

It is more than a sport. It is the thing that ties the community together.

Welcome back!