*The opinions of a Western Hockey League radio broadcaster*
Regan Bartel is a broadcaster for Pattison Media, covering the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League since 2000. His play-by-play career began in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, with the Broncos. Since moving to Kelowna, Regan has called games at five Memorial Cups (2003, ’04, ’05, ’09, ’15), the CHL Top Prospects Game (2012) and the Canada-Russia Subway Super Series (2009).
Notes, one quote and anecdotes
Things that make me go hmm...
How valuable is Andrew Cristall to the Kelowna Rockets' success? Over the last three seasons, the 19-year-old has missed 26 regular season games. Over that stretch, the team is a combined 6-19-1-0. I asked Kris Mallette about his team's slow start. His answer hit the bullseye. "To be rated early in the season, we ...
Oct 08, 2024
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Notes, quotes and anecdotes
Things that make me go hmm...
The photo above is Gabriel Szturc, taken by RocketFAN on the second last day of the 2023-2024 regular season. Turning 21 on September 24th, Szturc became the first European-born captain in franchise history and held the honour for two seasons. Szturc will represent the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2024 Rookie Showcase, w...
Sep 13, 2024
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Notes, quotes and anecdotes
Things that make me go hmm...
The smiles are big. The excitement is palpable. A certain nervous tension is in the air. Oh, did we mention, the hair is on point for player photos? It must be the start of Kelowna Rockets training camp as the players converge on the city on Wednesday, which is the official end of summer for them. The proceedings start...
Aug 27, 2024
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Notes, a quote and a few anecdotes
Things that make me go hmm...
If the WHL were an Anemometer, which is used to measure wind speed, it could be spinning like a tightly wound top. The winds of change started a week ago today when Kelowna Rockets Assistant Coach Josh MacNevin decided that after three seasons at Kris Mallette's side, it was time to take his coaching career to pro hock...
Jul 09, 2024
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Matthew Wedman wins a title in ECHL
Things that make me go hmm..
It may be mid-June, but the hockey world hasn't stopped for summer. While not officially arriving until June 20th, the Stanley Cup final is in full swing with the NHL Entry Draft slated for June 28th and 29th. With Leon Draisaitl competing for the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, a win of the 'holy grail' and the...
Jun 10, 2024
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The first is always one of the best
2003 - The Kelowna Rockets debut at the Memorial Cup
Five Memorial Cups, with five distinct memories when the Kelowna Rockets represented the Western Hockey League at the high-profile tournament. On the eve of the 2024 event in Saginaw, Michigan, RocketFAN looks back at the Kelowna Rockets' first attempt, from a broadcaster's perspective, at capturing major junior hocke...
May 24, 2024
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Notes, quotes and anecdotes
Things that make me go hmm...
While most hockey fans in Prince George were oohing and aahing over rookie goaltender Josh Ravensbergen's back-to-back shutouts in games one and two, they should be looking at themselves as the real story. Standing-room-only crowds for Friday's opener, and then a sellout for Saturday's rematch. Prince George and area h...
Apr 16, 2024
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Notes, quotes and anecdotes
Things that make me go hmm...
How was that weekend? Oh, my goodness. Did you think it would be that spectacular? For the Kelowna Rockets to win both games with so much on the line was incredible. It felt like playoff hockey. It had the intensity, with so many individuals coming to the table to help the team to victory. Kayden Longley's huge goal on...
Mar 25, 2024
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Getting the mic ripped out of my hands
Things that make me go hmm..
The photo from the InnovationPlex in Swift Current this week on Twitter caught my eye. A sign reading, 'Please Do Not bang on the play-by-play booth' brings back memories of my five years calling games for the Broncos between 1995 and 2000. Brent Parker was the general manager of the Regina Pats back then, and he would...
Mar 08, 2024
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Down the stretch we come!!!
Things that make me go hmm...
It is the longest home-ice point streak in the WHL this season. Kelowna Rockets captain Gabriel Sztruc went a whopping 21 games with at least a point, with the streak starting October 13th and finally ending on February 10th. We asked 'Gabby' why he plays so well at Prospera Place. "There is something in the air h...
Feb 29, 2024
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Rockets struggles go far beyond coaching
Boo birds don't often chirp at Kelowna Rockets home games
You could hear the boos. The crowd of over 56 hundred fans didn't roar out in unison Monday afternoon, but even the small contingent of naysayers voicing their disapproval was noticeable. The puck had not even dropped between the Kelowna Rockets and Tri-City Americans on a Monday afternoon when fare-weathered supporter...
Feb 22, 2024
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Quotes, notes and anecdotes
Things that make me go hmm....
Let me introduce you to Jan Vandervort. I met the about-to-turn 79-year-old at Veterans Memorial Coliseum two years ago and chatted with her this past week when the Kelowna Rockets visited the Portland Winterhawks both Wednesday and Friday for two games. Vandervort is a longtime Hawks season ticket holder, telling Rock...
Feb 07, 2024
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