As the start of the 2012-2013 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) season gets closer, Golden Rockets players are getting excited for a more physical season ahead.
Local blueliner Brad Orr is getting ready for his third season in the KIJHL. After a summer working at a local restaurant he is ready for the season to start.
Orr is excited by the news he has heard from the coaches over the summer and sees a “Bigger and Better” Rockets team on the ice this year.
The 19-year-old said he has higher hopes going into this year than in years past.
“Everyone in town has been saying making it past the first round it will be a big deal, but for everyone on the Rockets, we are looking past that now,” he said. “We know we can go farther than that.”
Personally Orr sees his role changing a little over part years with the team.
“Just to have a fun season but also to be a better player who helps some of the young guys who are one the team,” he said. “I expect to be a more solid player and help the team out more.”
Orr encouraged everyone in town to come out for the grand opening night on September 14 when there will be a pre-game celebration in the parking lot to the arena.
“It should be a great time. Something different that Golden has never seen so it would be great to see a big turnout,” he said. “It is always fun to play with the big atmosphere and in front of a big crowd.”
Orr added that it is still fun for him (as a local player) to step out on the ice in front of family and friends in the stands.
