Login

Kierkan · 12-03-2020, 02:58 PM

Deep Dive #1: Rookie Knights Round Table

The Kelowna Knights are going into the next SMJHL season coming off of a surprise run in the playoffs last year. They were able to take the Anaheim Outlaws out of contention in seven games, and fell in the next round to the eventual Four Star Cup Champions, the Vancouver Whalers. Preceding the seemingly "lucky" playoff run, the Kelowna Knights ended the regular season with a record of 17-29-4. Obviously, the numbers showed that there was nothing to get excited about come playoff time. Regardless of the rebuild regular season, they were still able to surprise in the playoffs. It seems the general consensus is that the next few seasons will follow the same trajectory; rebuild and develop. The recent pre-season power rankings have the Knights projected at 10th in the league, regardless of them being ranked 5th in total TPE. Is the league sleeping on Kelowna? Will they come in and surprise again this year?

We're going to take a dive....a deep dive....into the Kelowna Knights rookies and see how they are shaping up. Are they projected to contribute with the regular season slated to begin tomorrow? Let's take a look.

Rookies:

1st round, 5th OA: #A-Rye Izzy (Right Defense)

[Image: n8Z9LfG.png]

#A-Rye is a beast. He's a good personality in the locker room, and will be a consistent earner. His on-ice performance was nothing spectacular, but he wasn't a defensive liability either. He played a decent amount of minutes, and I expect his trajectory is going nowhere but up.

-

1st round, 12th OA: Gerry Atrick (Left Wing)

[Image: KmexwQd.png]

Gerry coming in and producing right away! He's sporting a 30% chance to put the puck in the back of the net whenever he shoots the puck. Will that continue? Probably not, but this was a fantastic start. +7 over 7 games is definitely not something to ignore. Keep your eyes on his production going into the regular season.

-

2nd round, 14th OA: Roboute Guilliman (Center)

[Image: hyxTjrU.png]

Roboute showed up and played a relatively consistent game. He wasn't an all-star on the score sheet, but he was solid enough at both ends of the ice to be positive in his plus/minus. I'm sure he wants to generate some more offensive chances, and get the puck on the net. He's another good fit in the locker room, and he's only going to get better.

-

2nd round, 20th OA: Danny C (Center)

[Image: kLCO0WR.png]

Danny's pre-season was definitely a busy one. He's filled in most of the columns on the stat sheet, some of them better than others. His plus/minus shows perhaps there is room for improvement in the defensive side of his game. Regardless, he was very active all over the ice. Fun fact: He has the most penalty minutes of all the Kelowna Rookies with 6.

-

3rd round, 26th OA: Richard LaFleur (Right Defense)

[Image: SPgIpqN.png]

LaFleur came in and put up a relatively solid pre-season performance. While not putting up superstar points, he was able to play consistent defense. With his TOI average being the highest of the other Rookies, he wasn't a liability, holding a +4 in his plus/minus. Will it continue into the regular season?

-

3rd round, 33rd OA: Travis Konecny (Right Wing)

[Image: 132Kuah.png]

Travis is another case of a hard working earner that is eager to improve. He's got himself on the score sheet with a couple of assists, and he put up a respectable performance in his own zone. Bringing an awesome attitude into the locker room, Travis' future is looking bright.

-

5th round, 52nd OA: Christopher Ford (Right Wing)

[Image: bypJAjn.png]

Similar to Travis, Christopher is another hard worker that is going to earn and improve at an optimal rate. Holding onto his +2 and banking 2 assists, Chris had a pretty smooth pre-season. He might be looking to increase his shot output going into the regular season.

-

Now I know that pre-season stats are hardly a reliable benchmark, but the initial numbers coming out for the Kelowna Rookies are very encouraging. From all indications I have based on activity and locker room chemistry, they will just continue to get better and better.

Knights

Approved, +5 TPE @Kierkan

***trashae*** · 12-03-2020, 02:59 PM

this is beautiful and I love it. just like you! also... I love you

MrRuihu · 12-03-2020, 03:06 PM

Subscribe.

DeletedAtUserRequest · 12-03-2020, 04:36 PM

|

|

|

|

Navigation

Extra Menu

About us