More than a roster: The decisions shaping the Kelowna Rockets

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Martin said the Rockets did what they could to help the goaltender find another opportunity before making the move.

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“We tried to keep Josh here as long as we could. We’ve tried to work with him in the background and help him find a good place to land,” Martin said.

The decision also meant losing a player who had become an important part of a dressing room that Martin believes is special.

Players have told the coach this is the best dressing room they have been part of. Banini helped make it that way, and his departure leaves more than an opening on the roster.

“He leaves a hole and something that, you know, we’re all aware of, and we’re going to miss him,” Martin said.

For Banini, the next step remains uncertain. Martin hopes he can find another opportunity in the Canadian Hockey League, but believes there are other options if that doesn’t happen, including at the Tier 2 level, where he could play regularly and remain ready for another opportunity.

His situation is a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change in junior hockey, even for players who have competed on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

“You’re talking about a guy who started two games in the Memorial Cup. That’s how good Josh Banini is at what he does,” Martin said.

The Rockets must now adjust without him. And while the departure of a respected teammate can be difficult for a group to absorb, Martin also sees an opportunity for the three overage players who remain.

They are being asked to do more than produce points. They must help establish the standards, habits and accountability that will determine what kind of team Kelowna becomes.

Martin believes the veterans are embracing that responsibility.

“Once you commit your life to this career path in this field, you’re always in tryout mode,” Martin said. “The way the world works, you can be fired and hired and traded and acquired, and you’ve always got to perform on demand.”

It is a blunt assessment of a business in which players can spend years working toward an opportunity, only to find themselves searching for another one.

For the Rockets’ remaining overagers, it is also a reminder that experience comes with expectations. How they practice, prepare and respond to adversity can influence an entire dressing room.

“They’re three guys that I’m really proud to be acquainted with and three guys that I think help really drive the bus for our hockey team,” Martin said.