KELOWNA – A series sweep in round one meant the Kelowna Rockets had time to prepare for this Western Conference semi-final. Their opponent is a familiar foe and arguably their biggest B.C. division rival, the Victoria Royals.
The Rockets have had success against the Victoria club, with a 5-2-1-0 season series record. It will no doubt be a physical affair – a lot grittier than round one against the Tri-City Americans. There’s no love lost between the clubs.
“We don’t like each other,” says defenceman Mitchell Wheaton. “The teams don’t get along really well so it’s going to be a barn burner for sure and a lot of aggression out there for sure.”
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Wheaton’s been injury plagued much of his Rockets career and was sidelined all season. He is now back in action in the post-season and has a simple game-plan heading into this series. “Just hit them more than they hit us.”
The Rockets still have some key players out of the line-up, including star blueliner Josh Morrissey. He was skating at Thursday morning practice, but coach Dan Lambert says his return will be a game-day decision.
Jackson Whistle will more than likely get the start between the pipes according to Lambert. The top net minder was pulled in the Rockets last playoff game, after letting in four goals on 19 shots.
Herringer has started five of the eight games the Rockets have played against the Royals this season and won four of them. Lambert wouldn’t confirm if we would see the backup and former Royal start a game this series.
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