By Regan Bartel

Kam calm and cool/Peskett plays with pop

Young goalie vying for backup spot

Sep 6, 2023 | 8:12 AM

Humble, quiet, and unassuming.

That may best describe 16-year-old rookie goalie Nathan Kam, who does most of his talking on the ice with his strong play.

The Kelowna Rockets fifth-round WHL Prospects Draft pick from 2022, Kam is also the youngest of the four that remain at main camp attempting to earn the backup spot to starter Jari Kykkanen.

The last goalie to start the season with the Rockets that young was 16-year-old Roman Basran, who earned his first WHL victory on November 26, 2017, in a 4-0 shutout over the Medicine Hat Tigers.

“I’ve really enjoyed the high level and being around the older players”, Kam told RocketFAN before answering questions that he does very few interviews. “Coming from high school hockey, I have really enjoyed it [training camp] so far.”

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Kam shows great technique for a young goaltender, with his side-to-side movement exceptional.  You don’t have to be a goaltending expert to notice the soft-spoken Burnaby product has had some good teaching in the past and could get better instruction under the tutelage of goaltending guru Eli Wilson if he makes the team over Adam Kelly (born 2005), Ben Polhill and Keal Svenson (both 2006 born players).

“I’ve been tracking the puck well”, Kam said when asked about areas of his game that he considers strong. “I need to work on staying ready, as at this level there are quick plays.”

Kam was terrific in Tuesday afternoon’s scrimmage, saving his best for last when he made a sensational stop in overtime on veteran forward Ethan Neutens on a two-on-one pass from Tij Iginla. Kam had to push off with his left skate to move to his right side, where he got a piece of the puck with either his blocker or pad.

Kam matched save for save in the shootout before finally being beaten as Team Black defeated Team White 3-2.

The position comes naturally to Kam, whose father, Gordon, also was a former goalie, who even the elder Kam admits was at a significantly lower level.

When asked about how tall he is, Kam makes sure to emphasize that he is 6’1 and a half, making sure that every half inch counts in a position where taller goaltenders are not required, but at the pro level are desired.

Playing to his size is second-year player Logan Peskett. The 6’2, 205-pound forward has had a strong camp and was noticeable in Tuesday’s scrimmage.

Still, 16 until he blows out the candles in nine days, Peskett is playing with power, and determination and is delivering pucks on goal. Last season, before his rookie campaign ended after dislocating his shoulder, Peskett saw limited duty in 40 games, scoring three times.

A 6th-round bantam pick in 2021, the North Vancouver resident needs to play well with so many other 2006-born players, namely Tij Iginla and Hiroki Gojsic are vying for spots in the team’s top six.