Rockets unveil new duds

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

The Kelowna Rockets are commemorating their 25th anniversary by paying homage to their roots.

The Rockets began their anniversary season by unveiling their new commemorative jersey Monday.

The logo is the same as the one worn by the Rockets in Tacoma and when they moved to Kelowna.

The jersey also features crossed 'rockets' on each shoulder, a 25th anniversary patch on the front lower left and will also include the WHL's 50th anniversary crest.

It's simple and clean, the way president/GM Bruce Hamilton likes it.

"It's a very traditional uniform. Our uniform has changed very little since we came into the Western Hockey League," said Hamilton.

"Our colours are the same. We use traditional uniforms and not anything that some people do with different colours and that. We're pretty straight forward."

The uniforms were produced in the traditional white and black home and away colour scheme, although Hamilton did say the popular red alternate jersey with the Ogopogo logo will still be used from time to time this coming season.

The Rockets entered the WHL in Tacoma in 1991 and played four seasons there before relocating to Kelowna for the start of the 1995-1996 season.

While the name 'Rockets' has no link to Kelowna Hamilton said he had no intention of changing the name when the team moved to the Okanagan.

The name however, does have deep rooted meanings in Tacoma.

Hamilton said the Tacoma Rockets were a pro team in the city long before the arrival of the Western Hockey League.

"We had a contest when we had the ream there and that was the name they wanted us to come back with.

"A lot of the design of our jersey came from San Jose when they came into the NHL...the teal was used out of that."

He said finding a rocket that didn't look stupid was tough so they went with the basic logo depicted on the jersey.

Defenceman Riley Stadel modelled one of the sweaters during Monday's unveiling.

"I think they're great. Ever since I was a little kid my favourite jersey was the Rockets," said Stadel.

"The colours, the turquoise, the red, the red, the white, the black. And, to bring in the 25th anniversary jersey...the look unreal and I'm excited to throw it on for the first time."

Stadel said it does matter to a player the jersey he wears.

"One thing about playing for the Rockets is you're always proud to throw on the jersey that they have with the Ogopogo and the 25 year one this year. It's special for me as a player to always be able to throw that on."

The new commemorative sweaters are now available in the Rockets store at Prospera Place.

On the ice, rookie camp opened up Monday with main camp scheduled to begin Saturday.

The Rockets first home per-season game is slated for Saturday, Sept. 5 against the Prince George Cougars.

The regular season kicks off Friday, Sept. 25 when the Kamloops Blazers come to town.