It may be hard to believe you could be an old-timer at the age of 20, but in terms of the Golden Rockets, Keith Wake accepts this suggestion for what it is.
Wake, who is from Field, has entered his fifth and last season playing with the Rockets.
Going into the season Wake, has played 204 games in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. He has scored 50 goals and added 69 assists during his time in the league.
“It is different. It has sunk in definitely. I am getting old,” he said with a smile.
Over his time with the team, he has seen a change in attitude in both the players and staff.
“It has become a lot tighter. Curt (Thorne, President of the Golden Rockets), is good at getting fans out and promoting us,” he said.
His role with the team has also developed over the years.
“When I first started I could not play as much of a role. Now I am being leaned on to produce points and be more of a leader,” Wake said. “On and off the ice I have to be setting an example of work ethic.”
As for the regular season, Wake said he can’t wait to hit the ice and start playing games.
“We’re way ahead of where we were last year with so many returning guys. I think it will be exciting hockey right from the start this year.”
As for his goals in the upcoming year the long time Rocket forward this a deep run is the only way things have to go this year.
“I definitely want to win it all and go as far as we can. I want to take the title at the end.”
To meet the Golden Rockets players and get autographs do not forget to head to the arena in Golden early on Sept. 14, to take part in a carnival before the first home game of the season against the Columbia Valley Rockies.
