Played on Mar 13, 2026
Game Played in Prospera Place
General Game Notes: The hometown Kelowna Rockets played a solid 60 Minutes, resulting in a 4-1 victory over the Kamloops Blazers. Goaltender Harrison Boettiger was good when he needed to be early on making several key stops. The Rockets got goals from Tij Iginla, Shane Smith, Keith McInnis and Mazden Leslie. The loan Blazers marker came off the stick of Josh Evaschesen.
JP Hurlbert (C, R, 6’0″, 187, Kamloops Blazers, 04/01/2008, Michigan)
Game Rating
A-
JP Hurlbert is an elite forward who showcases exceptional hockey IQ, excellent puck skills, and high-energy playmaking abilities. His speed and agility allow him to navigate through traffic and make decisive plays in the open ice. He consistently finds space for himself and excels as both a shooter and passer. While he has areas for improvement, such as recognizing danger on defense, his overall game is defined by his elite offensive instincts. Hurlbert’s ability to move the puck quickly and find open ice makes him a threat on the power play and in 5-on-5 situations. He is an effective competitor who battles through traffic and pursues pucks hard when out of possession. His skating and mobility are good, allowing him to drive the attack through the neutral zone.
1 Viewing
Comments: Hurlbert plays at a consistently high pace, backed by an elite work ethic and compete level; he wants pucks back and relentlessly pursues to do so not relying on teammates to do it for him, finishes physically on the forecheck, and isn’t afraid to go to the net and battle through contact. Offensively he is a true dual threat-an imaginative playmaker who roams the offensive zone to find seams and an extremely effective shooter with a heavy, quick wrist shot and one timer-making him a key contributor on the top power play. His puck skills and vision also show in transition, where on one occasion as the stretch option…he read and redirected a 130-foot rim pass using his skate on the wall perfectly to a mid-lane driver who didn’t lose any speed while receiving and created a great scoring opportunity. Durable and trusted, he led his forwards in ice time, skating over 19 minutes this night.
Joaquin Geras (D, L, 6’1″, 180, Kamloops Blazers, 01/17/2009)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Geras is a very capable young defenseman who delivered a quality five-on-five performance for the Blazers, skating well with quick feet and strong mobility in his backward stride to defend the rush. He shows a good overall skill set – reliable puck skills, composed decision-making – illustrated on the first shift when, after a heavy forecheck, he somewhat spun off, he calmly executed a simple backhand pass from his knees to middle support. He plays the game with some quickness, makes smart reads, gets on top of would-be puck receivers to remove time and space, and was reasonably effective in down-low coverage, though handling bigger, quicker forwards remains an area for growth. He logged a very respectable 15+ minutes in this game, well above his ~13-minute season average.
Rhett Ravndahl (D, R, 6’2″, 181, Kamloops Blazers, 02/15/2005, Alaska Fairbanks)
Game Rating
B
Ravndahl is a well-rounded right-shot defenseman with solid skating ability and mobility, allowing him to effectively manage both defensive and puck-retrieval responsibilities. He excels in positioning and reliable puck management, making him a consistent presence on the ice. Ravndahl’s calm demeanor under pressure enables him to maintain composure, ensuring he rarely panics during critical situations. He is a dependable defenseman who can anchor a unit with his steady play, but may need to develop his offensive skills to reach his full potential. While he has limitations in this area, Ravndahl consistently puts in the effort and makes solid contributions in both five-on-five scenarios and on the penalty kill.
1 Viewing
Comments: Ravndahl is a steady, veteran defenseman whose game is defined by reliable, defense-first play rather than flash; a good skater overall, he would benefit from some added quickness and top-end speed to elevate his effectiveness. He is a capable puck handler with a very dependable first pass and won’t hesitate to take open ice and carry the puck when appropriate. Physically assertive, Ravndahl provides consistent pushback for the Blazers, excels in down-low coverage using sound, body-positioned hits and pins, and logged 19 minutes in this game – slightly above his season average. He serves on the second penalty-killing unit and was a notable contributor in defending a five-on-three, underscoring his dependability in key defensive situations.
Ryan Michael (D, L, 6’3″, 196, Kamloops Blazers, 02/05/2005, RPI)
Game Rating
B+
Michael is a solid defensive defenseman who excels in his own zone with a strong understanding of positioning and the ability to engage opponents effectively along the boards. He possesses good hands and sound skating, allowing him to transition the puck smoothly and make plays at both ends of the ice. With a high win rate in battles and impressive body positioning, he consistently disrupts opposition plays. As part of the penalty killing unit, Michael demonstrates his commitment to defensive responsibility. Overall, he is a dependable presence on the blue line who contributes effectively to his team’s defensive efforts.
1 Viewing
Comments: Michael is a solid, very dependable top-four blueliner who logged the second-most minutes among the defence corps (~23:00/game) and plays key roles on the club’s top penalty kill and second power-play units. A very good skater with excellent mobility, he defends his zone aggressively – getting on the body, using a reliable stick, and winning a solid 55% of his battles – while also showing strong puck handling and puck-moving instincts, consistently making a strong first pass and willing to transport the puck out of danger. More impactful on the defensive side than offensively, Michael is a true 200-foot contributor who steadies the backend and can be counted on in all situations.
Harrison Brunicke (D, R, 6’3″, 195, Kamloops Blazers, 05/08/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Brunicke is a physically gifted right-shot defenseman who possesses excellent mobility and top-end speed, allowing him to drive play and transport the puck out of his own zone effectively. He excels at both ends of the ice, displaying strong hands and vision on the power play and defensive prowess in his own end. Brunicke’s skating enables him to defend effectively in tight spaces and transition quickly. He makes crisp decisions with the puck, combining strong passing with a quick release from the offensive blue line. His ability to be evasive and get pucks through traffic is notable. In his first game back, he consistently read the neutral zone well, disrupting attacks early and bringing energy to the team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Brunicke, a high-end right-shot defender for the Blazers, continues to deliver a complete game from the back end – logging 24 minutes in this contest, well above his 20+ minute season average, and playing in all situations as a key five-on-five, top power-play and penalty-kill option. A very good, highly mobile skater, he activates effectively in the offensive zone and can carry or move the puck consistently making plays, while in the neutral zone defensively he reads and gaps to cut off attacks early. He defends hard and physically in his end, wins roughly 60% of his battles, and uses an excellent stick-on-puck technique to disrupt opponents. Calm and composed with the puck, Brunicke consistently makes the right reads – whether a strong first pass or clean puck-transport – and his decision-making and two-way reliability make him a driving force for the Blazers.
Jordan Keller (C, L, 5’11”, 177, Kamloops Blazers, 03/08/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Jordan Keller is a well-rounded center who consistently demonstrates a strong 200-foot game, showcasing impressive positional awareness and a willingness to contribute in both the offense and defense. His skating and puck-handling skills are efficient and effective, allowing him to create plays and navigate traffic with ease. Keller excels at retrieving pucks and making plays under pressure, making him a key contributor on the top power-play unit. Keller’s intelligence and vision on the ice are notable traits, as he often finds ways to facilitate smooth breakouts and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. While there is room for improvement in some areas, such as down-low coverage, Keller’s overall skill set and strong work ethic make him a valuable asset to any lineup.
1 Viewing
Comments: Keller is a multi-dimensional forward who brings a very solid, reliable game to the Blazers; in this contest he logged 19 minutes (second among forwards) and handled key minutes on both the top power play and the penalty kill. A good – though not elite – skater, he displays strong top-end speed, good edge work and quick mobility in tight areas, allowing him to drive attacks and create chances off the attack and cycle. His puck skills are above average and he’s versatile on the man advantage (used as the net-front presence this game). Strong on faceoffs (~55% on the season), he averages about five shots per game and wins roughly half of his battles. Defensively sound, Keller plays a disciplined stop-and-start game, protects the slot and down low coverage effectively, and provides dependable, two-way minutes for the Blazers.
Josh Evaschesen (C, L, 6’2″, 191, Kamloops Blazers, 08/11/2006, RPI)
Game Rating
B
Evaschesen excels in his role as a workmanlike two-way forward, providing strong defensive instincts and reliable 200-foot play. He consistently wins board battles and makes smart outlet plays off the wall, showcasing his puck skills and ability to cover ice effectively. While not flashy by style, Evaschesen has the skill to create offense in transition, particularly with his physicality and vision on the power play. His strong playmaking abilities allow him to find teammates and create scoring chances. However, his skating mechanics could benefit from refinement, which would enhance his overall performance. Evaschesen’s strengths lie in his reliable defensive zone coverage and ability to drive play from the middle of the ice. He projects as a dependable, all-around contributor at higher levels, making him a valuable asset on his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Evaschesen is a hard-working, gritty and dependable two-way forward who quietly drives results – he owns a very respectable 32 goals and 72 points this season and chips in on the second power play and the penalty kill. A good skater with decent top-end speed, his stride mechanics could use refinement but don’t limit his effectiveness; he’s a consistent, all-around contributor for the Blazers at both ends of the ice and reliable in his own zone. He plays with noticeable grit and physicality, is engaged on nearly every shift (about a 50% success rate on battles), and logged 14:30 in this game – slightly below his 17:30 season average – showing he can be trusted in middle-to-high-leverage minutes.
Tomas Poletin (RW, L, 6’1″, 206, Kelowna Rockets, 04/30/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Tomas Poletin consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and physical presence on the ice, utilizing his body effectively in battles for pucks. He possesses good top-end speed and quickness, allowing him to navigate tight spaces and apply pressure on opponents. Poletin’s shot is also a notable asset, with a heavy, quick release that enables him to finish chances from various angles. While his skating could benefit from refinement, particularly in terms of top-end speed and acceleration, Poletin makes up for it with his reliable finishing and physicality. He competes hard every shift and creates opportunities for himself and his teammates through his net-front presence and clever playmaking. Overall, Poletin is a skilled and physical forward who excels as a complementary piece on the team’s top power play unit. His ability to create scoring chances and provide net-front presence makes him an valuable asset in all situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Poletin looked like a player coming back into form after a month off, showing noticeably more pace and re-establishing his power-forward presence-he delivered several heavy hits, sustained a hard forecheck, and consistently drove to the net, stopping at the top of the crease to battle for rebounds and screen the goalie. He back checks hard on a consistent basis, and is a very reliable presence on the defensive zone coverage. He contributed on the penalty kill, while offensively he displayed playmaking vision with a textbook two-on-one feed that created a high-quality scoring chance; he skated a modest 14:00 in this outing, occupies the net-front very effectively on the second power-play unit, and provides a reliable, hard-working element in both special teams and 5-on-5.
Dawson Gerwing (LW, L, 6’4″, 232, Kelowna Rockets, 07/12/2006)
Game Rating
B
Dawson Gerwing is a physically gifted winger who consistently brings energy to every shift, utilizing his size and strength to impact play both offensively and defensively. He excels at the net-front presence and puck retrieval roles, showcasing solid hockey sense and the ability to drive the net when opportunities arise. While there are areas for improvement in his skating mechanics and battle win rate, Gerwing’s dependable motor and clear purpose make him a reliable contributor. His physicality and tenacity allow him to thrive in scrums and wear down opponents.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gerwing is a hard-nosed, role-driven winger who impacts play every time he’s on the ice; despite a limited 11-minute night (about two minutes below his season average), he plays with relentless feet and physicality, never taking a shift off. His game is defined by heavy forechecking and board work – exemplified notably one shift where, with a defender on his back, he battled to control the puck on the wall, escaped and delivered a perfect cross-ice feed to McInnis who buried it for a goal – showing his underrated offensive instincts and playmaking awareness. Not the smoothest skater, but reliable, effective and clearly comfortable in his role, Gerwing provides the Rockets with energy, grit and occasional, timely offensive contributions.
Ryan Oothoudt (RW, R, 6’2″, 182, Kelowna Rockets, 02/09/2007, Air Force)
Game Rating
B
Ryan Oothoudt provides a steady presence on the right side of the Rockets’ lineup, consistently engaging on the forecheck and playing physically to disrupt opponents. He is effective along the boards, able to protect the puck while scanning for outlets. While an average skater overall, Oothoudt shows good top-end speed and would benefit from refinement in his skating mechanics. His battle win rate could be improved, but he remains a dependable contributor on the ice. Oothoudt’s skills are promising, with good puck skills and on-ice awareness that have been showcased in his recent games. He is a force on the forecheck, consistently going to the hard areas and showing gritty determination in puck battles. While there is room for improvement, particularly in board play, Oothoudt projects as a dependable depth scorer who can provide a two-way presence on the team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Oothoudt continues to grow into his role with the Rockets, bringing reliable physicality and a relentless forecheck that finishes on the body and consistently wears on opponents; his skating is good- including top-end speed – allows him to drive play when needed, though he’s primarily valued for his forecheck and net-front willingness. He handles contact well, navigates traffic in the offensive zone, and possesses a quick-release shot that lets him finish chances or create for teammates, making him a dependable, energy-driving linemate who can contribute offensively, who logged nearly 14 minutes of all five-on-five ice time in this outing and fits the Rockets’ identity of pace and physical commitment.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images