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The Kelowna Rockets season ended on Sunday with a 3-1 loss to the Seattle Thunderbirds, who become the WHL Western Conference champions. But that isn't the story here.
The story is about a team that many had counted out by January, who mixed up it's lineup and added a few key players, battled their way to being one point away from a division title and played some of their best hockey in the WHL playoffs.
The Kelowna Rockets certainly gave fans a team to cheer for this season. Finishing second in the B.C. division for the regular season, the Rockets took on the best Blazers team Kamloops has seen in years in the first round of playoffs and defeated them in six games. Next up, they knocked out the Portland Winterhawks in five.
Plagued with injuries in the third round, the Rockets were missing Brayden Chizen and James Hilsendager in Sunday's game, and Devante Stephens joined his injured teammates after a hit from Keegan Kolesar in the first period. Big kudos to the remaining Rockets defensive core, Gordie Ballhorn, Cal Foote, Lucas Johansen and rookies Konrad Belcourt and Kaedan Korczak for playing extra minutes and holding down the fort.
On Sunday evening, the Seattle Thunderbirds played their best game of the series and despite a goal from Nolan Foote and 19 saves from Michael Herringer, the Rockets were unable to overcome the T-Birds.
Now we say a teary goodbye to a few outstanding Kelowna Rockets players, graduating 20-year-olds Reid Gardiner, Michael Herringer and captain Rodney Southam.
Reid Gardiner came to the Rockets at the trade deadline this year and it was crystal clear to fans why Bruce Hamilton wanted this guy. Not only did Gardiner notch 37 points in 28 regular season games and lead the WHL through three rounds in playoff points with 28, he also played with the kind of heart and passion that Rockets' fans won't soon forget.
When Jackson Whistle's season ended due to injury in 2015-2016, Michael Herringer took on the starting goaltender role and he crushed it. Herringer was the Rockets' backbone over the last season and a half, with a .905 save percentage in this year's playoffs and two huge shutouts. We'll miss that snappy glove save, Herry!
Rodney Southam has to be one of the most loved captains in Rockets' history. The gritty, hard working forward came to the team in the 2014-2015 season and made his mark with the team that won the Ed Chynoweth cup and came within one goal of the Memorial Cup. Southam was named captain half way through the 2015-2016 season and has led this team into battle with a smile on his face, an impressive work ethic and incredible support for his teammates.
We may also see a few other Rockets' move on next season to professional hockey. Nick Merkley, Dillon Dube, Calvin Thurkauf, Devante Stephens, Lucas Johansen, and Carsen Twarynski all have signed contracts with NHL teams and have the chance to make the jump to pro next season. As much as we want to wish these guys good luck in their pro careers, we'll gladly take them back for another season!
Congratulations to this Kelowna Rockets team on an amazing season. We can't wait for the 2017-2018 season!
Video courtesy SendtoNews.
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