KELOWNA – It’s a day that came too early for the Kelowna Rockets.
On Friday, the team held exit meetings when coaches and players plan for next season.
It’s also a day for players heading to their home towns to say their goodbyes and to reflect on the glories and disappointments of the past season.
The Rockets season ended Wednesday when the Seattle Thunderbirds completed a four game sweep in overtime to win the WHL Western Conference Championships.
In the two previous playoff series against Kamloops and Victoria, the Rockets advanced with game seven, overtime victories.
“I thought we had a really good playoffs, the best I’ve ever seen this team play in the playoffs,” says departing five year veteran Tyson Baillie. “Doing whatever it takes to win, blocking shots, making hits and everyone playing their role so that was something really special to see.”
It was a disappointing end to an otherwise very good season for the Rockets.
“Nothing to hang our heads about with 48 wins,” says team captain Rodney Southam. “We pushed for a team that not many people believed in. The heart in that room was tremendous.”
All WHL teams have to battle through adversity. For Kelowna, the loss of starting net-minder Jackson Whistle and top forward Nick Merkley to season ending injuries were major blows to overcome.
“Obviously that wasn’t easy but we adapted, came together and became stronger as a team,” says centre-man Justin Kirkland. “Seeing those guys go down was tough but it really brought us closer as a team and I’m really happy with the results that we had.”
Head coach, Brad Ralph, says he’s proud of what his team accomplished this season and expects more of the same next season.
“He have a lot of returning players and you just can’t put a price on that kind of experience. So I’m excited to see how that will translate into next year and I know it’s nothing but positive from there.”
Goal scorer Rourke Chartier is a key player who is eligible to return but may not.
Chartier is now with the farm team of the San Jose Sharks who are in the American Hockey League playoffs.
He’s hoping to stick with the professional team next season.