KELOWNA – Jackson Whistle is no stranger to the Rockets organization, in his third season with the club, but this year, things are different, with the 19-year-old netminder the go to guy between the pipes.
“I think it’s been an exciting opportunity. I think we’re still finding our way, but we’ve had a good start, we just need to keep going,” says Whistle.
Whistle has already put up some pretty impressive numbers along with taking home some national recognition. In his first season as starter he’s already been named WHL goalie of the month and CHL goaltender of the week.
Born in Canada, the 6’ 1”, 182-pound netminder lived in Europe for nine years before calling West Kelowna home. The roots of his hockey career in the valley started with the Pursuit of Excellence hockey academy, before he was drafted in the fourth round by the Vancouver Giants in 2010.
After a season with Vancouver, he was picked up by Kelowna.
“I was very fortunate to be traded here, especially being from here,” says Whistle.
Whistle is also working side-by-side with the Rockets new goalie coach, Travis Crickard.
With the departure of Kim Dillabaugh who was called up to the big show with the LA Kings the Rockets brought in Crickard from the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s to fill his shoes.
“It was a big move and a big transition for me,” says Crickard who says things have been going well so far. “I can’t say I’m the reason he’s playing so well, we have to give him a lot of credit.”
Whistle is still undrafted, but if he continues to seize the spotlight with the red hot Kelowna Rockets, chances are that will change.
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