Rookie Josh Jewell has been enjoying his introduction to playing for the Golden Rockets in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.
From St. Albert, Alberta, the 18-year-old has been working hard to adjust to the league and a new town.
“It is pretty sweet. It is nice to wake up every morning and look at the mountains,” he said. “My billet house is really fun and the food is great so I can’t complain.”
Jewell has also enjoyed getting to know his new team this year.
“The guys are great and have helped bring me in to being a part of the group,” he said.
After playing in Major Triple A in Alberta last year Jewell has had to adjust to several differences this season.
“The size, and it is much more physical than I have seen in the past,” he said.
Even though it is a tough physical league, Jewell sees this as playing into his strengths on the ice.
“My strong point is getting in there and getting dirty. I like to stick up for my team,” he said.
As for the rest of the season, Jewell hopes to score up to 20 goals and win a championship with the team.
He added that something his parents have enjoyed is being able to watch the games online.
“They like it. It is something new for them. They enjoy it a lot.”
With the team playing well over the past month Jewell is quick to explain it is a team effort.
“We have been working hard in practice and we are coming together as a team right now,” he said.
