Ex-Rockets flood NHL

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Tyson Barrie is one of 15 former Rockets in the NHL.

It's tough to watch an NHL game without seeing at least one Kelowna Rockets alumni on the ice.

Fifteen former Rockets are beginning the season on NHL clubs.

These include grizzled veterans and raw rookies.

Duncan Keith leads the way in terms of games played while Vernon Fiddler has the longest tenure among the 15.

Entering his 12th season, all with the Chicago Blackhawks, Keith has suited up for 834 games.

He has three Stanley Cup rings, two Olympic gold medals, won the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenceman twice and was once named the Conn Smythe winner as the playoff MVP.

Fiddler is entering his 14th season. He has played 818 games in Nashville, Dallas, Arizona and this year, New Jersey.

Nine of the 15 are defencemen.

Along with Keith, Shea Weber (Montreal), Josh Gorges (Buffalo), Alex Edler (Vancouver), Tyson Barrie (Colorado), Luke Schenn (Arizona), Tyler Myers (Winnipeg), Damon Severson (New Jersey) and Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg) will all patrol NHL bluelines.

Morrissey is making his NHL debut this season after playing 57 games in the American Hockey League last season.

The group of forwards is led by Jamie Benn, one of the league's top offensive threats.

He led the NHL in scoring two years ago with 87 points.

The remainder of ex-Rocket forwards include Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton), Mikael Backlund (Calgary), Blake Comeau (Colorado) and Colton Sissons (Nashville).

“We’re very proud to see so many of our alumni make it to the NHL and have success,” said Rockets president/GM Bruce Hamilton.

“To be able to turn on the television and see so many of our former players is a real treat for our organization and for our fans. We take a a lot of pride in developing hockey players and young men who can find success at all levels of hockey.”

In all, 132 former Western Hockey League players will start the season in the NHL.