A hero's welcome

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

To chants of "Go Rockets Go," the Kelowna Rockets returned home from the Memorial Cup to a hero's welcome Monday afternoon.

Several dozen diehard fans waited for close to 45 minutes to show support for their team which, the night previous, fell 2-1 in overtime to the Oshawa Generals in the championship game.

Fans told Castanet while they were still disappointed at the outcome, they wanted to show their support for a great season and are looking ahead to next season.

"This is no surprise. We've got the greatest fans in the Canadian Hockey League," said Rockets general manager Bruce Hamilton.

"I wish we had the one piece of hardware we didn't get this year. It's frustrating and disappointing, but I'm thrilled this crowd showed up to greet the players, most of all."

That sentiment was echoed by player after player as they exited the team bus.

"We were kind of down after losing that heartbreaker last night, but coming here to this lifts our feelings and our spirits up," said Tyson Baillie. "It's great to see all the support we have in Kelowna."

The Rockets, seeking the franchise's second Memorial Cup, held a 1-0 lead until late in the second period and, despite controlling most of the play, were unable to find the tie-breaker.

Anthony Cirelli ended the game 1:28 into overtime.

"You go up 1-0, and in the second we should have scored two, maybe three goals, then maybe the game is over. Then to lose in overtime ... all the hopes are basically gone," said Leon Draisaitl.

"It's very hard. It takes a little while to sink in, but I think we can all be very proud of what we've accomplished all year."

Draisaitl, named the Memorial Cup MVP, said the individual accolade means nothing.

"It doesn't soften anything. This is a team game. This is not about one-man shows or about one guy winning MVP. I would have much rather won the Memorial Cup than win this trophy," said Draisaitl.

Sunday's loss was the last time Rockets fans will see captain Madison Bowey in a Kelowna uniform. The 19-year-old defenceman is expected to begin his professional career with the Washington Capitals next season.

Coming this close after four years with the organization was especially tough for the Winnipeg native.

"I think that's what was definitely going through my mind. It''s been a great four years and a great run. Obviously, we wish we could have ended it off on a high note, but we had a great year and I'm definitely proud of the guys," said Bowey.

"It was pretty surreal to think we were that close and we couldn't get the job done."

For one Rocket, the season ended five weeks ago in the Western Conference final.

Tyrell Goulbourne's junior career came to an end due to a lacerated calf suffered during the Portland series.

"Just sitting and watching and thinking you could have maybe made a difference out there – I think that was the hardest part," said Goulbourne.

"It was hard, it was tough. I don't think I've cried like that in a long time," he said of watching the final. "I thought we played good, I thought we played hard. You couldn't really ask for anything more from our guys."

Goulbourne said he was proud of the team, but added sometimes the bounces don't go your way.

While the end of the season was a tough pill to swallow, Hamilton said he is already looking forward with great anticipation to next season.

"The way we stand today, I think we have a better team (coming back) next year than we had this year," said Hamilton.

"We have a tremendous group of players coming back, and when you have (Rourke) Chartier, (Nick) Merkley and Dube coming back, the offence is going to be pretty exciting."

Hamilton said the experience the younger players got with a long playoff run will be invaluable.

Hamilton and head scout Lorne Frey began preparations for next year on the flight home from Quebec City.