‘McFaul Magic’ required as Kelowna Rockets jump into prospects pool

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“This is the best part of the year”, McFaul told RocketFAN in preparing for the U.S Prospects Draft, which is held today over the more highly publicized WHL Prospects Draft a day later. “All the info that we have gathered, and all of the hard work, it is exciting and rewarding.”

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For the fourth time in the last five years of the WHL Prospects Draft, the Rockets won’t have a selection in round one. The team will have to wait until the second round, before choosing 26th overall.

“If we get the player we want, we should be ok,” McFaul earmarking several players that could make an impact if chosen at that position in the draft.

The Rockets have had only two-first round selections in the last seven years, with Trevor Wong [traded to Saskatoon] taken in 2018 and the organization crushing it in 2020 with forward Andrew Cristall.

RocketFAN asked the likable McFaul, if he had a magic wand, what type of player would he like to obtain?

“Wayne Gretzky”, McFaul tongue firmly planted in cheek with the draft less than 24 hours away. “We want the best player available. It is going to be such a roll of the dice here, wanting to see what everybody else does. Teams will pick players and we won’t expect that. There are always one or two surprises, and someone will be there that you didn’t think would be, and that will be the guy you will take.”

Last May must have been painful for McFaul, who had to wait until the fourth round before finally selecting a player. It is hard to hit a homerun when other teams have chosen 80 players before you finally nail down a prospect that you hope can contribute to the team.

On Thursday, the Rockets enjoy a second-round pick (26th overall), two-third round selections, two fourths, two fifths, and no sixth, with one in both the seventh, and eighth rounds.

“We are going to try to select a player who will commit and wants to play in the WHL,” McFaul knowing the importance of not taking a gamble on a player that may choose another option to pursue his junior career. “Most of the kids we have on our list are all committed.”

With the competition to acquire players greater than ever before, McFaul is making sure future WHL players, and their families realize that Kelowna provides an exceptional hockey experience.

“We are reloading, and we have some good young guys here”, McFaul evaluating why a young player should considering signing a WHL players agreement with the team. “There is going to be an opportunity to play. We have a very good coach, who is good with the young guys. He [Kris Mallette] listens and pays attention to the young guys and he can relate to them.”

McFaul speaks glowingly about the help he has received from Rockets assistant general manager Curtis Hamilton in preparation for both drafts. Named to the post on December 20th, the 31-year-old has accompanied the cagey veteran on several scouting trips.

“He thinks things on another level,” McFaul added about working with GM Bruce Hamilton’s son. “He is always thinking ahead. He is intrigued by it [scouting] and it is very refreshing. It is fun being with him.

“He always says he is looking forward to attending different prospect tournaments. I always tell him, be careful what you wish for,” McFaul said with a chuckle. “There are some long days.”

RocketFAN has been given access to watch the WHL Prospects Draft behind closed doors and will report back on Friday about why the Kelowna Rockets have been so successful in using it to earn one of the best-winning percentages in the Canadian Hockey League over the last decade.