Sports

The Kelowna Rockets depth will be tested for the balance of the season.

The Rockets announced Monday both forward Carter Rigby and defenceman Mitchell Wheaton are done for the season with shoulder injuries.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Defenceman Mitchell Wheaton needs shoulder surgery and is gone for the season.

Both Rigby and Wheaton will undergo shoulder surgery requiring four to five months for recovery.

Rigby provided a physical presence up front and managed 12 goals and 20 points in 34 games during his second full season with the Rockets.

He hasn't played since a January 31st game with the Victoria Royals.

In that game, Rigby fought 6'5" Keegan Kanzig.

Wheaton, in his first season with the Rockets had a goal and seven assists in 39 games.

The 6'5" defenceman hasn't played since a January 24 win at home against the Seattle Thunderbirds.

"Injuries happen and our plan now with both Carter and Mitchell is to get them into surgery and started on their rehabilitation as soon as we can," says Rockets' President/GM, Bruce Hamilton.

Both should be ready to go when the Rockets open training camp in the summer.

The Rockets, losers of two in a row and five of their last seven are off until Friday when they take on the Victoria Royals in the first of back-to-back games in the provincial capital.