The Kelowna Rockets feel like they’ve pretty much left no stone unturned in being prepared for major junior hockey’s ultimate showcase.
The WHL champs skated in Quebec City for the first time Thursday, their last full on-ice session before taking on the host Remparts Friday night in the Memorial Cup opener at Colisée Pepsi.
Based on what was mostly a relaxed mood at Thursday’s practise, captain Madison Bowey said his Rockets are in a good frame of mind heading into a pressure-packed environment.
“We can’t be too tense coming into this tournament,” said Bowey. “Obviously we’re focused we have a goal in mind, but at the same time you know that not too many teams are ever in this spot. We’re just trying to enjoy it and live in the moment right now, it’s going to be a lot of fun and a very competitive tournament.”
While there is clearly plenty at stake for the Rockets over the next 10 days, head coach Dan Lambert said it’s important for his team to enjoy the event, while still maintaining the appropriate amount energy and focus.
“I thought guys looked a little nervous (at practise), but I thought they loosened up as it went and it got a little better, we got out of it what we wanted, to get their feet wet in a new city and new province,” Lambert said.
“It’s extremely important (to be relaxed) because it’s such a quick event, if you are all uptight and you’re so wanting to do well often you don’t, and I think it’s important that the guys try live in the moment and understand that it is another hockey game, they’ve done it 91 times this year.”
Face off between the Rockets and Remparts Friday is 4:30 p.m. Pacific time.
World junior mates…
Four players in Friday’s game were teammates with Canada’s 2015 world junior hockey championship team.
Kelowna’s Madison Bowey and Josh Morrissey and Quebec’s Anthony Duclair and Zach Fucale helped lead the Canadians to their first gold medal since 2009 with a 5-4 win over the Russians Jan. 4 in Toronto.
