Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

From backup to full time starter

Even keel Jari Kykkanen

Sep 12, 2023 | 8:00 AM

Legendary NHL goaltender Ken Dryden’s mission was to send a message to his teammates that things were okay.

“That was my job,” Dryden said about playing a steady, conservative game. “I was trying to deliver a feeling.”

Kelowna Rockets goaltender Jari Kykkanen has a similar mindset, by bringing a sense of calm in his crease.

“No pressure”, Kykannen told RocketFAN about being the number one goaltender this season with the departure of Talyn Boyko. “I am excited to get the season going, having the full reigns, and being a leader of this team.”

It’s the type of mindset you want to hear from the 19-year-old, who will have to step up his game after playing a secondary role the last two seasons when Boyko was obtained from the Tri-City Americans.

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“I started preparing [to be a starter] this summer”, Kykkanen said. “I am really focused on taking care of myself, taking care of the body, and being prepared to take on a huge workload.”

The workload could include no less than 50 appearances, which only four goalies accomplished last season in the WHL with Braden Holt (55) of the Victoria Royals, Dylan Ernst of the Kamloops Blazers, Medicine Hats Beckett Lankow (53), and Kolby Hay of the Edmonton Oil Kings (50) reaching that bench mark.

“Fifty is the goal”, Kykkanen knowing rest and recovery are pivotal. “I would like over 50 appearances and hit 100 games for my career, which would be pretty special.”

The well-spoken goalie, with a certain quirkiness to him, would have to participate in 54 games to accomplish that goal.

“I am not too concerned about the stat side of it”, Kykkanen responded quickly when asked about which statistic means more to him, a higher save percentage or a lower goals-against average? “Goals against average is more of a team stat. Save percentage is more goaltender-orientated. I want both to be strong this season. I am just focusing on being prepared every day and playing hard.”

Kykkanen gives Rockets goaltending coach Eli Wilson credit for helping him become arguably one of the best in the Western Conference.

“I just think back to my first game and how much he has developed me and prepared me for this moment. I am really excited to show off what he has taught me and put it all into use.”

Now that the team has added 17-year-old goalie Jake Pilon in a trade with the Edmonton Oil Kings on Monday, we asked Kykannen what he wants from his goaltending partner.

“Push me every day in practice,” Kykkanen said without blinking an eye. “If he comes in and works hard, it makes me work harder than him and we have that healthy competition. I want someone who is positive and not too negative to drag me down, but as long as I’m pushed by him, that’s what I am looking for.”

A sixth-round WHL Prospects pick in 2019, Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton is comfortable in the Lloydminster, Alberta product getting the baton this season.

“Jari has had a great summer. He is going to the Flames [Calgary] camp, he will be down at the prospect’s tournament next week, so he will get some pro time, which will be really, good for him”, Hamilton added. “He is going to carry the load for sure [with the Rockets], and that’s what he wants”.

After being a part of consecutive first round playoff exits, where Kykannen played in five of the eight games, the 6’4, 202 pound netminder would like to lead his team to a second round appearance.

“The Tij Iginla trade was huge for us. He will be a good piece”, Kykkanen said. I really like the Cicek [Michael] deal with Spokane and the returning players, like Jackson DeSouza, who is a shot blocking machine, it will be nice to have him back on the blueline.

“I am excited about what we have this season.”