Sports

The Kelowna Rockets trimmed eight players from their training camp roster following day two of camp Wednesday.

Those released were all 15-year-old players selected in the 2012 Bantam Draft and are not eligible to suit up full time with the club.

They will now make their way back home to get ready for the start of school and prepare to play for their respective midget teams.

More players will be released on the final day of camp before a team practice and scrimmage Thursday night brings camp to a close.

The Rockets open up the pre-season schedule this weekend with a pair of games against the Vancouver Giants Friday in Ladner and Saturday at Prospera Place.

"I think for the most part we've seen good scrimmages and I think our practices have been good too," says head coach Ryan Huska.

"It's been a bit of a challenge for the players with the two sessions per day but I thought tonight's scrimmage was probably one of the better ones."

As far as the Rockets draft class, Rockets director of player personnel Lorne Frey said the group had a good showing this year. Included in the group is the Rockets top pick, Nick Merkley out of Calgary, who had an excellent camp.

"We were happy with our drafted players and we're excited about the future," says Frey.