Rockets display the future

Photo: Marissa Baecker

The Rockets get ready for another season when they open rookie camp later today.

The future of the Kelowna Rockets will be on display when the Western Hockey League club opens up rookie camp today.

Players selected in the bantam draft the past few seasons plus invitees will try to catch the coaches eye over the next five days.

“Rookie camp is a good opportunity for our scouts and our organization to see our younger players, and our draft picks from the last couple years come in and get an opportunity to make an impression,” said head coach Jason Smith.

“The guys that are here for their first time get a chance to experience what the Western Hockey League is about, and what coming to a training camp and being evaluated and watched is about. They’re going to be looking to put in a performance that’s going to grow their game to have success.”

Players such as 2015 first round bantam selection Kaedan Korczak, who saw four games in the regular season and five in the playoffs, will be looking to make the next step and earn a regular spot on the team.

The same could be said for undrafted 17-year-old Liam Kindree, who saw the ice during seven regular season games a season ago.

Most, if not all players selected in the 2017 bantam draft will be in town for camp, including second round pick Ethan Bowen and third rounder Ethan Ernst.

The Rockets didn't have a first round pick.

Rookie camp runs until Friday when main camp gets underway.

“For the guys that have been here before it’s still about making an impression, but it’s also about showing how much growth they’ve made in their game throughout the past season or previous seasons,” Smith said.

Main camp runs until Aug. 31. The Rockets play their first pre season game Two days later, Saturday, Sept. 2, when the Victoria Royals come to town.