Uh oh! It's Deep Dive time! Today we're going to be looking at the best crop of rookies around; the Kelowna Knights rookies, what type of player they are right now, and what kind of player they project to be in the future.

#11 Overall - Aleksandr Iskandrov - C
Like most of these rookies, Iskandrov's pre-season point production doesn't do him justice. While he got blanked in pre-season, he only got 8 minutes a game worth of ice time and wasn't yet adjusted to the next level. While suffering a bit from roster congestion, Iskandrov is still managing to show his strength, playmaking ability, and all the tools required to be a successful player in the future. The only problem that Iskandrov seems to have is his defensive effectiveness, but there is a learning curve there, and we should be able to see him adjust reasonably quickly.

#24 Overall - Ben Waters Jr. - me!! - LW
Ben Waters Jr. thrived compared to other Kelowna rookies in the pre-season thanks to some higher ice time, managing 3 points in 7 games with two goals. His ability to produce offensively seemed to only be about to improve. Still, unfortunately, he has had a somewhat disappointing start to the season, only managing a point while being lucky in terms of PDO and managing good numbers elsewhere. Waters is a competent all-around player, but he had some defensive woes in the pre-season. Through 3 games, he has seemingly managed to fix some of those more significant issues in his zone, but we'll have to see if he can improve his offensive production to match his improved defensive work.

#37 Overall - double lutz - RD
This year, the only Defenseman in Kelowna's rookie class is also the only one with SMJHL experience already, having a ten-game stint with the Knights last season combined with a solid 18 games in the playoffs. That man is double lutz, and this season, he has continued to be a defence first player capable of churning out big minutes. It's clear from the pre-season and the beginning of this season that he hasn't added much offensive might, but his defensive solidity remains. If he can improve his current ability, there is a lot still possible for the young defenseman.

#38 Overall - Tommy Westbrook (but this time I upd - C
Folks, this time, he upd. This guy is big, and he's strong. He had a great pre-season, matching Waters Jr. on points while also providing on defence. He has not performed as well in the regular season. However, he has upped his defensive game even more. The points will come, but this guy has natural physical talent that will stay, and he's about to be a powerhouse in this league.

#57 Overall - Sash Sharnaz - LW
Last but certainly not least, Sharnaz has had the best start of all Kelowna rookies. Originally a St. Louis draft pick, the GMs of Kelowna showed brilliant foresight in quickly bringing the winger to town. His quality has already shown through in spades, and if he can keep up his performance, one of the last picks in the SMJHL draft could become one of the first in the SHL draft next off-season.

(532 words)

Ben Waters Jr. || LW || Edmonton Blizzard || 312 TPE
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225 lbs
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada

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S64: Drafted by Kelowna Knights with the 24th overall pick in S64 SMJHL Entry Draft

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Approved! +5 TPE @Waters