Riding off the sweet, sweet feeling of revenge, the Kelowna Rockets are confident and optimistic as they head into the 2015 Western Hockey League Championships against the Brandon Wheat Kings in Manitoba.
Following a well-fought battle against the Portland Winterhawks on May 3rd, the Kelowna Rockets were happy to boast about their victory over the Hawks after having been defeated by them in the 2014 season.
“It’s unreal,” said forward player Tyson Baillie. “Especially how they embarrassed us last year in game five, 7-3, and just do to the same to them in game six was great. It was justice for us and it felt nice.”
Rockets take on the Brandon Wheat Kings back in October, 2014. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
With confidence and adrenaline in tow, the team is working hard to ensure their spot at the top in this year’s national playoffs.
“We’ve got to just stick to playing our game,” said Captain Madison Bowey. “Play the exact same way we played against Portland. We were physical on them and made their “D” turn around and get pucks. We just have to keep it up against Brandon as well.”
According to Bowey, the Rockets are ready to win the championship, and considering their team is working together as a close-knit unit, he believes they have a great chance at beating out the Kings.
“We all really want to win,” added Bowey. “We’re all really battling for each other and I know that wasn’t there last year and I know it’s been a lot better this year. We’re not ready to let it end now and we’re going to keep going.”
Captain of the Rockets, Madison Bowey. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
Although confident, the Rockets know that the Brandon Wheat Kings will be hard to beat.
“Brandon is a highly skilled team with lots of power and depth, a great defence, and a good goaltender,” said Bailey. “We’re just going to push it, play physical, and as hard as possible. We’ve been getting better and we’re just going to go hard.”
Bailey added that the Rockets will be focusing hard on their defence in their battle against the Kings to help out goalie Jackson Whistle. Despite the pressure, Whistle is ready to take on the Wheat Kings.
“They have a really high offensive team so it’s going to be a good challenge,” said Whistle.
Photo credit: KelownaNow.com
Coach Dan Lambert is aware of the Wheat Kings' skill level, but he also knows that the Rockets are hungry for a championship win and he’s relying heavily on teamwork to beat out their opponent in the 2015 WHL final.
“The difference is that against Portland, we could really work on a few players, but against the [Wheat Kings] everyone is going to have to do their job every single shift.” added Lambert.
The Kelowna Rockets are heading to Manitoba on Wednesday where they will play games one and two against the Brandon Wheat Kings in a best-of-seven series. The first two games will be on Friday and Saturday in Brandon and games three, four, and five will be held in Kelowna starting on Monday, May 11th.
The Kelowna Rockets have taken on the Kings only once before in the 2014-2015 regular season where they won 6-1. Despite their triumphant victory against the Kings, Bowey said they’re not underestimating their skill.
“It’s going to be a hard battle right to the end,” added Bowey.
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