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The Kelowna Rockets will kick off the pre-season tonight when they host the Victoria Royals at Prospera Place.
It’s the first of back-to-back pre-season games between the two teams in Kelowna this weekend.
Rockets head coach Kris Mallette said it’s definitely going to be a strange feeling to have fans in the building again.
"It's going to be a welcome sight for our players to have an atmosphere with people yelling and screaming,” he explained.
“It was interesting last season, essentially just playing with the scouts watching up in the corner. I think everyone is excited all the way from management down to coaches and players."
If you want to attend a Rockets game this season, or any games this season, you will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated.
Who's coming to the rink this weekend to watch the Rockets play?!
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) September 16, 2021
We've got a preview for you to get you up to speed on things.
📰➡️ https://t.co/L0uX088RHy pic.twitter.com/n3vuUK4hPf
With four veteran players away at NHL training camps, the younger Rockets will have a chance to play more important minutes and show the coaching staff what they have this weekend.
"What you see is what you get for the most part, with a few high-end players missing away at NHL camps,” said Mallette.
“It's a great opportunity for our younger players to get some valuable ice time and show our staff what they're capable of throughout these four exhibition games."
Here are a few notes from the Rockets on what to look out for this pre-season:
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