WATCH: Rockets ready for regular season

KELOWNA – Fall is in the air and that means one thing for Rockets fans: it’s hockey season. The Kelowna Rockets hit the ice for their season opener Saturday against division rival the Kamloops Blazers. Last season proved to be a record breaker but the playoffs ended in heartbreak when the Kelowna club was ousted by the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Conference Final.

“We were a little bitter after that loss to Portland,” says Rockets forward and last season’s WHL rookie of the year Nick Merkley. “I think we’re more excited this year and that helps to drive us forward.”

There has been a lot of change for the club in the offseason including a new bench boss, assistant coach and goalie coach. While the majority of the roster is returning players there are some big holes to fill. WHL goalie of the year and Rockets front man between the pipes Jordon Cooke, the club’s top scorers Myles Bell and Ryan Olsen and the teams top two way blueliner Damon Severson all aren’t returning. Cooke’s longtime backup, Jackson Whistle, will be manning that top netminder position and the team will be calling on its veteran players to help fill the gaps.

“I gotta be a big leader as one of the older guys,” says veteran forward Tyson Baillie. “I came in young and have been here three of four years. Now I’m here to lead the team.”

The preseason didn’t bode well for the B.C. Division champions, winning just two of six games. However many key players were (and a handful still are) at NHL camps. As the line-up stands now there are three overagers on the squad: Colton Heffley, Cole Martin and Carter Rigby. But if Tyrell Goulbourne doesn’t get picked up by the Philadelphia Flyers, some big decisions will have to be made.

Saturday’s season opener is at Prospera Place at 7:05 p.m. There will be a B.C. Division banner raising ceremony before puck drop.