KELOWNA, B.C. – The Kelowna Rockets will be looking to cut more players in the week leading into September as head coach Jason Smith attempts to build the roster he needs in his first season with the WHL team.
A quick check of the Rockets 2016 Pre Season roster only shows one player: 18-year-old Jake Kryski, a forward acquired from the Kamloops Blazers in exchange for defenceman Joe Gatenby and his brother Danny Gatenby.
“We’re still up in the high 40s,” Smith said during training camp Monday at Prospera Place. “We trim it down and get lower and lower as the next days go by. I think it’s important that we get it down to a number that’s workable, where we get one practice and split our group in half and have scrimmages among our group where the competition level and intensity can ramp up.”
Smith is looking for leadership from senior players and energy from the newcomers.
“You want your young guys to push them,” Smith said. “I think that’s a process that allows a team to really improve and get better when your younger players are pushing your older players. It builds internal competition. It allows your team to compete in games that mean a lot.”
The Rockets start exhibition play Saturday and will begin the new season against the Kamloops Blazers on September 23.