KELOWNA – The Kelowna Rockets will honour two former players Saturday when the team plays host to the Spokane Chiefs.
Former Rockets captain Gavin McLeod and Chicago Blackhawks player Duncan Keith will be recognized with WHL Achievement Awards.
“The WHL Alumni Achievement Award is presented in two categories. The professional hockey category recognizes those graduates who have had a distinguished professional hockey career. The other Alumni Achievement Award category recognizes WHL graduates who have experienced a highly successful business career through support received from the WHL Scholarship program as student athletes,” states the team in a news release.
Mcleod was with the Rockets for five years ending in 2001 and obtained a university degree on a WHL scholarship. He is now a vice-president with Edmonton based company Entrec.
“I had a great relationship with the Hamilton family and was very grateful for the education package that was provided,” says McLeod. “I had the full-ride for all my years at the University of Alberta covered by the Rockets and the ability to finish up school without any debt is a huge leg up.”
Keith was with a defenceman with the Rockets when the team advanced to the 2003 Memorial Cup tournament.
Keith has won three Stanley Cups, two Olympic gold medals, two Norris trophies and is also a Conn Smythe winner.
McLeod will be at the Saturday night game at Prospera Place but Keith will not.