Four injured Kelowna Rockets could return this week

Photo: Marissa Baecker/Kelowna Rockets

Finally, that light at the end of the tunnel for the Kelowna Rockets isn't an oncoming freight train.

The Rockets, who have battled injuries for much of the season, could see four of their six injured bodies return to the lineup this week.

Defenceman Devin Steffler (lower body) and forward Matthew Wedman (lower body), could both return to the lineup Wednesday when the Rockets host the Tri-City Americans.

Captain Nolan Foote, who has played just one period since returning from the World Junior tournament, could return Saturday against Red Deer.

Foote, who has been listed as week-to-week with a lower body injury, met with the Tampa Bay Lightning medical staff last week, and was cleared to return.

Forward Michael Farren has been upgraded to day-to-day with an upper body injury, and could also return Saturday.

Forward Liam Kindree isn't expected back until early April after undergoing surgery to repair a broken collarbone.

The news isn't as promising for defenceman Sean Comrie, who will have his injured shoulder looked at by an orthopedic surgeon next week. They will make a decision as to whether surgery will be required.

The Rockets have lost 11 of their last 13 while dealing with this latest rash of injuries, however, president and GM Bruce Hamilton says injuries are not to blame for the skid, which has seen them fall to fourth in the BC Division.

"We hope this run of serious injuries is coming to an end," said Hamilton. "Our belief in our team is still very strong and we have not used the injuries as an excuse. We need to be better, and I fully expect us to be better."

He also thanked the Major Midget League Okanagan Rockets for their support, as the WHL club has been forced to use four of its affiliated players many times since early December.

The Rockets have lost 113 man-games due to injury or illness so far this season.