Rockets players, coaches, managers and supporters gathered in the Kelowna Community theatre Sunday afternoon for the annual team awards ceremony following a crucial win in Prospera Place the night prior.
Among the team members and proud parents in the audience was Erik Gardner, the 19-year-old Rockets forward who hung up his skates earlier this season for “health and personal reasons,” he said.
Bruce Hamilton, Rockets Owner, President and General Manager, commended the team for their perseverance during the staffing change-ups over the course of the year.
In late October, the team let go of Rockets head coach Jason Smith after a 4-10 record to start the season. Smith would later be replaced by Adam Foote, a former NHL defenceman.
The bench would endure a second bench shakeup when assistant coach Travis Crickard would separate from the team.
“I applaud you guys for keeping your chins up while enduring what we had to,” Hamilton said before the awards were handed out.
Nolan Foote, only six points behind leading scorer, Kyle Topping, took home the Most Valuable Player award.
Kyle Topping claimed the prestigious Top Scorer Award with 69 points, pairing it with the Plus-Minus award.
The Scholastic Award was given to Kyle Crosbie for his academic achievements off of the ice.
Mark Liwiski, the 6-foot centreman, earned the Most Improved Award after garnering 17 points in 60 games, in comparison to his 0 points in 10 games with the Everett Silvertips last season.
Dalton Gally earned the Unsung Hero Award, the first award he has earned in his hockey career as the 20-year-olds sets to leave the team this year.
Conner Bruggen-Cate claimed the Top Defensive Forward Award (Holly Pierce Award).
The Rockets’ Top Defenceman Award was given to Kaedan Korczak who finished the season with 33 points and a Plus/Minus of -8.
Devin Steffler was awarded the Most Sportsmanlike Award for his year’s contributions to the team.
Lassi Thomson was named the Rockets’ Rookie of the Year after the 18-year-old turned out 41 points in 63 games.
Leif Mattson earned the Humanitarian Award, for showing true Rockets class in the community.
Three 20-year-old Rockets players will be letting go of their teal and white sweaters after this season.
Schael Higson, Matt Barberis and Dalton Gally will complete their WHL careers this year and will no longer be eligible for major junior hockey in the league.
Despite the turbulent bench makeover, the team has a chance at making the playoffs and will be heading into a playoff-deciding bout on Tuesday against the Kamloops Blazers. The winner of the game will square-up with Victoria Royals in a best-of-seven series.
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