Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor
Notes, quotes and anecdotes
Things that make me go hmm…
Feb 20, 2025 | 6:00 AM
- On this platform, little to this point has been said about Kris Mallette’s firing on January 10th, but now, 41 days later, it’s time to reflect. The long-time coach was let go and has since resurfaced as the head coach of the OHL’s Erie Otters. Looking back at the decision, I understand it. If you put yourself in GM Bruce Hamilton’s shoes, you’d likely reach the same conclusion that the head coach was the issue. In truth, Mallette wasn’t the problem after his departure, but you don’t know that until you make the change. Imagine if Mallette were still behind the bench during this 14-game losing streak. The entire WHL, if not the CHL, would be questioning Hamilton’s choices. There would be calls for the coach to be fired, with fans wondering why Hamilton hasn’t acted. Now, with Mallette gone, it’s clear that the problem runs deeper.
- What the coaching change, along with the trades of Cristall and Price, has revealed is that those two players had been masking many of the Rockets’ underlying issues. The long-term injuries to Tij Iginla and Max Graham only compounded the struggles. Drafting outside the first round in the WHL Prospects Draft remains a key factor in the team’s troubles. Will GM Bruce Hamilton and Assistant GM Curtis Hamilton find a solution? I have faith. The fanbase should adopt the same mindset.
- Hard to believe, but it was five years ago, yesterday, that the Kelowna Rockets relived Adam Foote of his duties as head coach. Mallette, Foote’s assistant at the time, was his replacement.
- As for the WHL’s potential expansion into Penticton in 2025-2026, it certainly looks promising, according to the rumours. From a travel perspective, it would be a huge boost for the Rockets, who are located just 62.3 kilometers from the South Okanagan Events Centre. In a recent conversation with Kamloops Blazers play-by-play voice Jon Keen, I mentioned retired NHLer Duncan Keith, who is from the Penticton area and has a home at Kal-Lake. Keith’s son, Colton, will be 13 in May and could be a perfect fit if Keith becomes part of a potential ownership group for a new WHL franchise in Penticton, should the expansion occur.
- In my 30 years with the WHL, no player has ever asked to join my radio broadcast. That changed this week when Captain Max Graham, who is recovering from a knee injury, joined me in the broadcast booth on Monday afternoon. Serving as a color analyst, Graham shared insights on teammates and situations on the ice that provided a unique perspective. One comment that stood out was when Graham mentioned Tij Iginla as having one of the funniest personalities on the team. This surprised me, as I often find Iginla to be extremely focused. It was refreshing to hear that ‘Iggy’ is able to bring humor to the team and lighten the mood.
- Another insightful comment from Graham was about the chatter in the dressing room between periods. With a 2-0 lead over the Americans but still riding a long winless streak, I assumed the atmosphere in the room would be tense. But Graham explained that, in situations like this, the chatter can be more relaxed than expected. The leadership group, therefore, has to keep everyone focused. I found that perspective enlightening and a glimpse into Graham’s leadership role.
- I asked Kelowna Rockets interim head coach Derrick Martin about Graham’s impact on the team despite his inability to play on the ice. “He is a guy that everybody respects and looks up to. He is still a very leaderful person. He is still our captain. There is a reason why we didn’t put a ‘C’ on anyone else. We are better when he is around. He still says good things and drives a high standard.”
- It’s a question that was asked, and now it’s time for the answer: What is the fewest number of wins in Kelowna Rockets franchise history? The answer is 22, which occurred during the 2006-2007 season under head coach Jeff Truitt. That year, Cody Almond led the team with 43 points, and the Rockets missed the playoffs. However, two years later, the team went on to win the WHL championship.
- Wednesday Night in the Dub has been a huge success this season. It allows hockey fans to watch for free on several media platforms including YouTube. We’ve had the privilege of doing one game this season, and now get a second chance on March 19 when the Rockets host the Victoria Royals.
- Nate Corbet is having a unique season. Having split time between the Medicine Hat Tigers and Kelowna Rockets, no player in the WHL has played more games than him. With 58 regular-season games already played, Corbet could finish the season with 72 games if he stays healthy. Hayden Moore, traded from Wenatchee to Victoria, is close behind with just 12 games left, but if Corbet remains healthy, he won’t be caught.
- Speaking of the Rockets, one player has dressed in every game this season: forward Kayden Longley, who has played in all 54 games. Michael Cicek has dressed for 51 games, and rookie Rowan Guest has appeared in 50. Corbet, as mentioned earlier, played the first 20 games of the season with Medicine Hat before being traded to the Rockets, where he has since played 38 games.
- One final anecdote about Nate Corbet: After the Rockets returned from their Christmas break, Corbet approached RocketFAN after practice and struck up a conversation, asking how our holiday season was. It’s moments like this that reveal the strong character of the player.
- Looking ahead to the 4-Nations final between Canada and the USA, there’s one aspect of the tournament we’d like to see adopted at the WHL level: the extended overtime, which has been increased from five minutes to 10. If games in the WHL could be decided in overtime rather than a shootout, we’d be all for it.
- The Rockets are the only team in the WHL this season that has yet to win a game in overtime, holding a 0-4 record in extra time. In contrast, the Calgary Hitmen lead the WHL with eight overtime wins.
- The Rockets will embark on an eight-game road trip starting Saturday night when they face the Vancouver Giants. The trip will continue with mid-week games in Prince George before heading into the Central Division for five games in seven nights against Red Deer, Calgary, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and Edmonton. This extended road stretch is a result of Prospera Place hosting the Brier from February 28th to March 9th.
- The last time the Kelowna Rockets visited the Central Division was in the 2022-2023 season, with two separate trips to Swift Current, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary. The last time they played every team in the Central Division – in one foul swoop – was during the 2016-2017 season when the Kootenay Ice were still part of the league.
- Finally, a quirky note about Will Sharpe: The 18-year-old has been spotted drinking French mustard (photo above) near the Rockets bench during warmup. Sharpe swears it helps prevent cramping. Scientists believe that the mustard may calm overexcited neurons through a passage that starts in the mouth and travels through the esophagus and stomach. “I started taking it last year, and it works,” he said. “Even during the game I will take it if I feel cramps. It won’t hurt me.”
- At 1243 words, it is time to close the barn doors shut. Just remember, spring arrives on March 20th, so we are only 28 days from my favourite time of the year.
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