Kelowna Rockets

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"plainlinks|http://icehockey.wikia.com/wiki/2008–09_Kelowna_Rockets_season|2008–09 Kelowna Rockets season"WHL Team | CAN_eng=1
team_name = Kelowna Rockets
bg_color = #008394
text_color = White
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conference = Western
division = B.C.
founded = 1995
history = Kelowna Rockets
1995–present
Tacoma Rockets
1991–1995
arena = Prospera Place
city = Kelowna, BC
media_affiliates = CKFR (1150 AM)
team_colors = Teal, Red, Gold, Black, White
color box|#008394 color box|#E13A3E color box|#B98544 color box|#000000 color box|#FFFFFF
owner = flagicon|CAN Bruce Hamilton
general_manager = flagicon|CAN Bruce Hamilton
head_coach = flagicon|CAN Ryan Huska
captain = Luke Schenn
memorial_cups = 2003–04
conf_titles = 2002–03, 2004–05
division_titles = 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04The Kelowna Rockets are a major junior ice hockey team playing in the Western Hockey League, out of the Canadian Hockey League. They currently play in Kelowna, after previously playing in Tacoma, Washington. The "Tacoma Rockets" entered into the WHL in 1991 and moved to Kelowna in 1995. They play out of Prospera Place. Between 1995 and 1999, the team played in Kelowna's Memorial Arena. While in Tacoma, they played in the Tacoma Dome.

Franchise history

Tacoma Rockets

The plainlinks|http://icehockey.wikia.com/wiki/1991–92_Tacoma_Rockets_season|1991–92 season marks the first season of the Rockets in Tacoma, Washington U.S.A. Playing in one of North America's largest hockey arenas, the Tacoma Dome, the expansion Rockets blasted their way to one of the most memorable inaugural seasons in the 25 year history of the Western Hockey League. Attendance of 14, 975 and 15, 240 at two heated contests against their arch rival, the Seattle Thunderbirds, assisted the Rockets in chalking up the highest per game average for a first year expansion team under the Canadian Hockey League umbrella.

In 1992–93, the Rockets startled everyone in the league by winning 24 straight home games for an all-time Western Hockey League record. Tacoma held first place in the Western Division for three months and finished with a promising 45-27-0. In addition to the winning streak, the Rockets home record of 36-6-0 and collecting 37 more points than the previous year, proved them serious contenders in the WHL. Once again the Rockets attendance of 13,769 saw them defeat the Seattle Thunderbirds 4-2 in win number 24 and marked the third largest crowd in the history of the WHL. Three Rockets won best in the WHL West. Goalie, Jeff Calvert - Most Valuable Player; Michal Sykora - Most Valuable Player; and Jamie Black selected as Most Sportsmanlike Player.

The 1993–94 season marks the year of transition for the Rockets, with the graduation of high scoring veteran Allan Egeland, solid forward, Trever Fraser and Goalie, Jeff Calvert. The Rockets's third season also brought forward some of the league's best rookies and a phenomenal base of nine NHL drafted players. Six alone were selected in 1994, bringing the total to thirteen Rockets drafted in three seasons! Rockets finished third in the West with a 33-34-5 record.

With a strong finish in the 1993–94 season, the Rockets strive to compete at a higher level of excellence. They launched their third season boasting size in defense and the strength of nine NHL draft picks. Adding the skill and talent of one of Europe's top young forwards, Vaclav Varada who slotted 50 points and tied the team's rookie scoring record. Todd MacDonald, 1993 Florida draft choice, became the team's top goalie, nominated for the best in the West award. Veteran Dallas Thompson became team Captain. This combination brought the Rockets to a second place finish in the West.

1995: New ownership

The 1995–96 season brings significant change to the entire Rockets organization: not only the loss of defenceman Alexander Alexeev and Captain Dallas Thompson due to age, but the decision to bring the Rockets to Kelowna, British Columbia. After long deliberation and consideration for the City of Tacoma and the many dedicated fans who supported the Rockets, the 22,000 seat Tacoma Dome was no longer a long term viable home for the Rockets. Key dates became more difficult to secure, leaving the Rockets in search of home ice for play-offs at the end of each regular season. No future of change for the poor site lines in the arena brought the Rockets organization to the conclusion the team needed to be moved. There were several viable choices prospected. Kelowna's rich history in hockey and the prospect of a new arena made Kelowna the natural choice. Since the move to Kelowna, the Rockets are right at home in their beautiful new city. They have been accepted by the community with open arms and strong local support. With that brings the talent of first round NHL draft pick, Kyle McLaren and fifth round pick Dale Purinton and the hometown talents of Jason Deleurme, Ronny Grimmard and Trevor Lornson.

2004: Memorial Cup Champions

Kelowna went to three straight Memorial Cup tournaments in the years 2003, 2004 and 2005. They won the Memorial Cup for the first time in franchise history in 2004, coincidentally the same year they were selected to host the event.

Team uniforms and colours

The team's colours are jaguar teal, athletic red, copper gold, orange sun, black, and white. In 1998, their team jerseys changed from their traditional "Rockets" logo, to more localized jerseys bearing Kelowna's legendary lake monster, Ogopogo.

Season-by-season record

"Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties OTL = Overtime losses Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against"

Current roster

Updated September 13, 2008.Cite web|url=http://whl.ca/en/stats/roster.php?team_id=204&season_id=227|title=Kelowna Rockets roster|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=WHL]

NHL alumni

Franchise scoring leaders

These are the top-ten point-scorers in franchise history. Figures are updated after each completed WHL regular season.

"Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games Played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; P/G = Points per game

"Updated at completion of 2007–2008 season"

Individual records

Career

* Most Seasons: Doug Adam; Kiel McLeod, 6
* Most Games: Doug Adam, 379
* Most Goals: Doug Adam, 212
* Most Assists: Brett McLean, 209
* Most Points: Brett McLean, 375 (166G, 209A)
* Most Penalty Minutes: Scott Parker, 732
* Most Shutouts: George Hainsworth, 75
* Most Consecutive Games Played: Doug Jarvis, 560

Season

* Most Goals in a season: John Varga, 60 (1993-94)
* Most Assists in a season: Marty Flichel, 79 (1995-96)
* Most Points in a season:
* Most Penalty Minutes in a season:
* Most Points in a season, defenceman:
* Most Points in a season, rookie:
* Most Wins in a season:
* Most Goals in a season, defenceman:

Post-season

* Most Goals in a post-season:
* Most Assists in a post-season:
* Most Points in a post-season:

Notes

See also

* Tacoma Rockets
* 2004 Memorial Cup
* List of ice hockey teams in British Columbia

External links

* [http://www.kelownarockets.com Official website of the Kelowna Rockets]

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