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Kelowna Rockets fans are dedicated, but some go above and beyond.
Fan Reagan Krivsky is in Quebec City, rooting for the Kelowna Rockets as they face off against three other teams for the coveted Memorial Cup. “Being at the Memorial Cup with the Rockets always puts a different spin on things,” says Krivsky. “We’ve been at Memorial Cups when the Rockets haven’t been here, and there’s not as much of a vested interest.” Now, however, she says that the games become much more anxious as she cheers for her home team. “It’s tense,” says Krivsky.
Photo Credit: Aaron Bell/CHL Images
Though the Rockets are far from home, a lot of their support has come with them. “We’re surrounded by a lot of Rockets fans,” says Krivsky. She estimates that about 35-40 people are there who are just fans, as well as about 70 parents. Then, there’s a bunch of extra Rockets jerseys around who could be family, seasons ticket holders, or Rockets fans from out east.
Being from the west, this amount of support is impressive. “I think this is the largest contingent I’ve seen in the last few that we’ve been to,” says Krivsky.
Photo Credit: Aaron Bell/CHL Images
Fans were sitting on the edge of their seats during the Rockets’ opening game, where the Rockets lost 4-3 after a frantic last minute and a half. The Rockets went 6 on 3 against the Quebec Remparts, with the Remparts scoring on an empty net and Leon Draisaitl making it 4-3 with just 36 seconds to go.
“The boys finally played some Rocket hockey,” said Krivsky.
Photo Credit: Aaron Bell/CHL Images
However, Remparts goalie Zachary Fucale made an impressive save with 1.2 seconds left to take the game, leaving the Quebec fans thrilled in their seats while the Rockets fan watched.
After a disappointing loss, the Rockets get at least two more games to make their mark. “This isn’t a series, this is a tournament,” says Krivsky. “If you don’t bring your A game, you don’t get to play very long.”
Photo Credit: Aaron Bell/CHL Images
The Rockets will take on the Rimouski Océanic on Monday, May 25th and the Oshawa Generals on Tuesday, May 26th. Both games are set to start at 4:30 p.m. Pacific time.
So far, Krivsky is enjoying her experience and says that people should try to take in a Memorial Cup. “Even if your team isn’t in the Memorial Cup, you really have to go to experience it.”
Next year’s Memorial Cup will be held in Red Deer, Alberta.
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