Played on Mar 27, 2026
Game Played in Prospera Place
General Game Notes: The Kelowna Rockets played an excellent playoff hockey game, holding the visiting Kamloops Blazers to just 17 shots, resulting in a 3-1 victory. Vojtech Cihar scored twice, the first one opened the scoring in the second period on the power-play with his second into an empty net. Tij Iginla also had a goal and an assist. Harrison Boettiger was very steady in the Rockets goal, making several key stops early in the game for the win.
Isa Guram (D, L, 6’0″, 173, Kamloops Blazers, 05/10/2007, Northern Michigan)
Game Rating
B
Isa Guram is a solid defenseman who brings reliability and playmaking skills to the table. He excels at reading the game and delivering quality passes to relieve pressure, often making crisp short connections and stretch passes that catch opponents off guard. Guram’s high-end vision is evident in his ability to thread pinpoint passes into open spaces, as seen in a notable goal-scoring play. His puck skills and mobility allow him to make effective plays at all stages of the game. Guram anchors the backend with a calm, high-IQ game, using his body to angle and eliminate opponents. He provides dependable five-on-five minutes and contributes on special teams. While not overly physical, he shows good recognition in staying tight on opposing wingers and making sound defensive reads. Guram’s steady playmaking and puck moving abilities make him a trusted option for the team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Guram is a steady, calming presence on the Blazers’ back end who excels as a puck-moving defenseman; he reads retrievals well, shoulder-checks effectively, keeps his feet moving into the play, and can either make a quick dish or use his mobility to escape forecheck pressure. While not a heavy physical force, he defends smartly-using hits and pinning in the defensive zone when required-and his mobility and body placement produce a solid 60% battle-success rate on the season. Willing to jump into the attack to provide an extra layer, his priority remains moving pucks first and facilitating transitions. In this game he logged 23+ minutes (team-high), is relied upon primarily at five-on-five and occasionally on the penalty kill, and projects as a reliable, composed backend option who stabilizes play and limits turnovers.
Jacob Dumansky (C, L, 6’2″, 181, Kamloops Blazers, 01/03/2009)
Game Rating
B
Domansky is a well-rounded center with good skating ability, which allows him to navigate the ice effectively and make plays when needed. He has a strong defensive game, showcasing awareness and commitment in the defensive zone. Domansky’s confidence on offense appears to be an area for improvement, as his play often seemed hesitant or measured. While he is capable of taking control of the puck and making something happen, it requires him to be more assertive in his decision-making. Despite this, his overall upside remains promising with the addition of a higher pace and physicality to his game. He will need to work on finding consistency in his play, but his defensive skills and potential offer a strong foundation.
1 Viewing
Comments: Dumanski is a big-bodied 2009 left-center who played quality, not flashy, top-nine minutes for the Blazers, logging 12:30 in this game; he profiles as a reliable, defensively-focused two-way forward who defends well down low and over the full 200 feet. He moves well for a young big player-showing good skating, mobility and the ability to hold body position down low against older Rockets players-and displays competent puck skills and playmaking instincts when asked to join rushes. His game is most impactful when he uses his frame to battle in front of the opposing net and drive to the crease to create chaos. Primary areas for development are improving burst and top-end speed and becoming more consistent on the dot, where he struggled in this outing.
Tommy Lafreniere (C, R, 6’0″, 177, Kamloops Blazers, 01/16/2007, Western Michigan)
Game Rating
B
Tommy Lafreniere is a dynamic forward with a well-rounded skill set that makes him a valuable asset on both offense and defense. He possesses excellent puck skills, vision, and elusiveness, allowing him to create plays and score goals. His high hockey IQ enables him to make quick decisions and locate his teammates effectively. Lafreniere’s skating ability is a major strength, with good top-end speed and maneuverability in tight spaces. He excels on the power play and penalty kill, demonstrating a keen sense of reading plays and being disruptive as a forechecker. However, he can be inconsistent defensively at times, struggling with poor awareness and reads on the backcheck.
1 Viewing
Comments: Lafrenière is an explosive offensive threat who uses very good top-end speed and excellent puck skills to create dangerous chances; he’s notably shifty with strong quickness in tight and shows the work ethic to free himself along the walls and through heavy checking. He logged 18+ minutes in this game and is trusted in all situations-key contributor on both the Blazers’ power play and penalty kill-bringing value at even strength and special teams. To reach the next level he must more consistently assert his high-end skill set and maximize his strong shot and release, turning flashes of elite finishing into regular production.
Carson Olsen (D, R, 5’11”, 161, Kamloops Blazers, 04/03/2006, UMass Lowell)
Game Rating
B
Carson Olsen is a well-rounded defenseman who excels at moving the puck and creating plays. He showcases strong skating and quickness, allowing him to cover a lot of ice and make plays in both even-strength and power play situations. With his reliable defensive capabilities, he effectively breaks up plays without relying on physicality, instead using his speed and stick skills to do so. Olsen’s agility enables him to navigate the ice with ease, making him a valuable asset in all zones.
1 Viewing
Comments: Olsen is a dependable, mobile defensive defenceman who logged just under 21 minutes as a top-four blueliner this game, and consistently thrived in this heavier, playoff-style game; while not the biggest player on the ice he skates very well, stays strong on his edges, and competes hard and effectively along the walls-either protecting possession or battling hard to regain it (roughly a 55% success rate on battles this night). He doesn’t hesitate to initiate contact and offers steady pushback in scrums, reads the attack responsibly through the Neutral Zone, and provides reliable defensive zone coverage. Offensively his role is limited but important: a trustworthy puck handler and mover who makes a clean first pass to exit danger and move play up ice rather than seeking to manufacture offense himself. Overall, a gritty, positionally sound defender whose mobility and willingness to engage make him well-suited for heavy minutes in a shutdown role.
Vit Zahejsky (C, R, 5’10”, 185, Kamloops Blazers, 08/10/2007)
Game Rating
B
This player possesses a well-rounded skill set that includes quality puck skills, good vision, and playmaking ability. They demonstrate smooth skating and top-end speed, which enables them to effectively navigate through defenses. Defensively, they show awareness and urgency, providing net-front coverage when needed. However, their reliance on skill rather than competitive edge is an area for improvement. To reach their full potential, this player must adopt a more assertive style by digging in, finishing battles, and taking charge of the game. They have impressive hands and agility, which allows them to excel on the ice. With increased work ethic and intensity, they can unlock the next level of their skillset and make a significant impact.
1 Viewing
Comments: Zahejsky is a highly skilled, right-shot winger who played the left wing in this game and handled the position comfortably, receiving pucks on his backhand and quickly initiating plays out of the defensive and neutral zones; his puck skills are excellent-slick in tight spaces and effective in traffic-and he’s willing to play through contact. He skates well with decent top-end speed, competes physically and shows pushback when needed though he doesn’t seek physicality consistently; if he imposes his skill set more often he’ll be even more dangerous. Offensively he’s a real threat, attacking from his off wing and unleashing a quick, hard wrist shot, and he logged nearly 16 minutes of ice time while contributing on the second power-play unit.
Nathan Behm (C, R, 6’2″, 202, Kamloops Blazers, 04/18/2007, Arizona State)
Game Rating
B
Behm’s game is characterized by his elite-level puck skills, which enable him to control the tempo of play and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His agility, balance, and vision make him a formidable opponent in tight spaces, allowing him to navigate through defenders with ease. Behm’s ability to adapt to different situations on the ice is notable, as he can seamlessly transition from creating plays off his stickhandling to unleashing a quick shot.
1 Viewing
Comments: Behm skated just over 19 minutes – in line with his season usage – and flashed his excellent release a few times, but overall produced below his high expectations. A high-end skater who normally thrives by roaming the offensive zone, holding pucks with poise and creating with patient plays with his high end skillset, he was noticeably passive tonight, content with limited movement, not fighting hard enough for middle ice; that showed in his shot total (three) versus his season average (six). He too often took the easy option instead of challenging defenders (like he can), reducing his impact on possession and scoring chances. When Behm consistently moves his feet and attacks defenders the way he can, he’s a difference-maker; tonight he needs to dig in, increase tempo and be more assertive in the offensive game.
Parker Alcos (D, R, 6’3″, 181, Kelowna Rockets, 07/20/2006, Quinnipiac)
Game Rating
B+
Parker Alcos is a dynamic right-shot defenceman known for his high-energy playstyle that blends offence and defence effectively. He excels at transporting the puck out of pressure, transitioning smoothly to create scoring chances, and showcasing a heavy, accurate shot. On defense, he competes physically in the neutral zone, clears traffic, and boxes out reliably, earning him a strong reputation on special teams. Alcos’s mobility is a key aspect of his game, allowing him to evade pressure and move the puck quickly, as well as effectively contesting battles in the defensive zone. His vision and instincts on the ice enable him to make smart passes and create scoring opportunities.
1 Viewing
Comments: Alcos is a high-energy, pace-driven right shot defender who consistently brings it every shift; he’s very active on the offensive side leading rushes or times his jumps into the attack, frequently comes down off the offensive blueline to either free himself up to get a shot away or show poise and make the play, making him a dangerous secondary creator. Defensively he competes hard, plays a physical game through the defensive zone and the neutral zone, and appears reliable in one-on-one battles. In the this game he logged roughly 21 minutes, contributed on the penalty kill and provided depth scoring/creation on the second power-play unit, projecting as a mobile defender, very active offensively, and who can be trusted in special teams and transitional play.
Tij Iginla (C, L, 6’0″, 191, Kelowna Rockets, 08/01/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Strong blend of physicality, skill, and competitiveness. He excels at handling key situations, including top power-plays and penalty kills, while maintaining a high level of defensive responsibility. His skating ability is elite, allowing him to quickly create space and separation from defenders. Iginla’s vision and playmaking skills are also highly effective, both in tight spaces and at speed.
1 Viewing
Comments: Iginla was a force in this game, continuing where he left off in the regular season – he adjusted quickly to tighter checking, used elite puck-protection to roll off defenders and accelerate away, and repeatedly made high-value plays in tight with excellent puck handling and vision (including a textbook cross-ice power-play feed to Cihar for the opening goal). Offensively he also displayed a pro release, on the attack he patiently waiting for a shooting lane, found one through the defenders legs (he waited until the defensemen crossed over) and unleashed a lightning-quick wrister just inside the far post for a goal, and defensively he’s trusted on the top penalty kill; he logged 21:30 of ice time and won roughly 65% of his draws in this contest (up from a ~55% season clip), underscoring his two-way impact and reliability in high-leverage minutes.
Dawson Gerwing (LW, L, 6’4″, 232, Kelowna Rockets, 07/12/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Dawson Gerwing is a hard-nosed winger who consistently impacts every shift on the ice. He plays with relentless feet and physicality, never taking a shift off, and is defined by heavy forechecking and board work. While not the smoothest skater, Gerwing is reliable, effective, and comfortable in his role, providing energy, grit, and occasional timely offensive contributions to the team. Gerwing’s game is built on his ability to press the opposing defense, thrive in scrums, and stand up for teammates. He consistently pressures opponents, closes gaps, and supports both forecheck and backcheck. While his skating mechanics need refinement, Gerwing compensates with effective mobility and positioning, allowing him to navigate the ice efficiently.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gerwing was a physical presence throughout the game and arguably the best net-front nuisance against the Blazers – a relentless forechecker who finished checks consistently and regularly parked at the top of the crease to effectively screen point shots and battle for loose pucks, creating chaos for opposing defensemen; he also showed strong board play, protecting the puck in heavy traffic while keeping his head up to make plays. His skating isn’t elite, but he moves with plenty of speed to leverage a large frame and deliver punishing hits when he’s in stride. Logged nearly 17 minutes, showing he can handle a middle-six workload, and projects as a physical, puck-retaining forward whose value comes from grit, net-front scoring instincts and consistent physicality – skating and playmaking ceiling are limited, but his compete and board work make him a very useful, hard-to-play-against piece.
Vojtech Cihar (LW, L, 6’0″, 187, Kelowna Rockets, 03/29/2007)
Game Rating
A-
Cihar is a skilled player with a strong work ethic, showcasing impressive speed and agility that enables him to challenge defenders and create scoring opportunities. He consistently demonstrates excellent puck skills and high-end vision, making plays for his teammates and finding open spaces on the ice. Cihar’s physicality has increased, allowing him to finish hits with more intent and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts. His ability to navigate both offense and defense effectively makes him a valuable asset to the team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Cihar led his team in ice time and played with pace throughout the game, consistently dangerous with and without the puck; he created space by finding open ice for linemates and attacked defenders with quality puck skills in tight areas, notably along the walls where he competed physically, initiated contact, and used his speed to win puck races. He displayed sound defensive-zone coverage and reliability as a top-unit presence on both the power play and penalty kill, showing poise under pressure-protecting the puck with his body and delaying when necessary to wait for support. Frequently using his speed through the neutral zone, he forced defenders back before using the turn back and making effective plays, combining tempo, board play, and situational awareness into a dependable, impact two-way performance.
Rowan Guest (D, L, 6’4″, 212, Kelowna Rockets, 01/31/2006)
Game Rating
B
Rowan Guest is a reliable and dependable defenseman who has established himself as a key presence on the Rockets’ back end. He excels in a stay-at-home role, using his physical game to win board battles and finish checks. Guest’s off-ice vision allows him to read plays effectively, and he makes steady, if not flashy, plays as a puck-mover. While he may benefit from improved skating mechanics, he navigates the ice efficiently and is capable of making the little plays under pressure. Guest’s confidence has grown, and he consistently steps into pushback situations to protect his crease. He plays with poise in the neutral zone and can make occasional plays in the offensive zone, but his game remains primarily on the defensive side of the puck.
1 Viewing
Comments: Guest is a big, left-shot defenceman who provides a steady, physical defensive presence for the Rockets – logging nearly 21 minutes in this game while reliably handling the Blazers’ speed on the attack and using his size and reach to contain play on the down low defensive zone coverage. He’s trusted on the penalty kill, defends with discipline in his own zone, and is a dependable puck-mover with decent hands and an effective first outlet pass. He shows poised patience with the puck and can make plays at the offensive blue line; while not a primary offensive threat, he will jump off the blue line and reposition to get open and support possession when needed.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images