Played on Mar 28, 2026
Game Played in Prospera Place
General Game Notes: Kelowna Rockets goaltender Harrison Boettiger was excellent early in the game, making 16 first period saves, at least four or five of which were difficult (34 stops overall), leading his team to a 5-1 game two, first round playoff victory over the visiting Kamloops Blazers. Tij Iginla again led the way with two goals, while Vojtech Cihar, Jacob Henderson and Carson Wetsch chipped in singles. JP Hurlbert replied for the Blazers.
JP Hurlbert (C, R, 6’0″, 187, Kamloops Blazers, 04/01/2008, Michigan)
Game Rating
A-
Hurlbert is a high-energy forward with elite puck skills and vision, consistently creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He excels as both a shooter and playmaker, using his speed, agility, and smart reads to navigate traffic and find open space. His ability to make quick plays under pressure makes him a key contributor on the top power play unit. Hurlbert’s competitive drive is evident in his relentless pursuit of pucks and physical battles on loose pucks. While he has room for improvement in defensive-zone play, his overall game is defined by elite offensive instincts and excellent puck skills. His confidence and abilities were on display in overtime, showcasing his ability to navigate traffic and make clutch plays.
1 Viewing
Comments: Hurlbert paced the Blazers’ forwards in ice time (22+ minutes) and saw minutes on the top power-play unit, and he showed a high-end offensive skill set paired with a gritty, determined playoff game edge. He possesses very good top-end speed and attacks off his off-wing effectively, repeatedly backing defenders off the blue line, cutting to the middle and unleashing heavy, quick wristers – a few coming uncontested from the slot. He competes hard on puck races and in battles, displaying a relentlessness and willing physicality to recover pucks. In the offensive zone he roams intelligently, quickly jumping into open ice to fire shots or to draw coverage and dish to teammates; he’s a high-volume shooter (10 shot attempts this game vs an 8-shot season average) with a heavy, fast release that makes him a consistent scoring threat.
Rhett Ravndahl (D, R, 6’2″, 181, Kamloops Blazers, 02/15/2005, Alaska Fairbanks)
Game Rating
B
Rhett Ravndahl is a dependable defenseman known for his solid, defense-first playstyle. He excels in down-low coverage and provides consistent pushback on the ice. With good mobility and a reliable first pass, Ravndahl effectively manages both defensive responsibilities and puck retrievals. His calm demeanor under pressure allows him to stay composed, making smart decisions in critical situations. Ravndahl is a trusted penalty killer who reads play well and makes smart decisions under pressure. While he exhibits limitations in his offensive game, particularly in puck battles, he consistently puts in the effort and logs significant minutes on the ice. Overall, Ravndahl is a reliable defense-first player who can anchor a defensive unit, but may need to develop his skills in certain areas.
1 Viewing
Comments: Ravndahl is a steady, gritty right-side defenceman who may not dazzle with elite skating but shows enough quickness and mobility to handle any forward line the opposition deploys; he plays a physical, in-your-face style, consistently finishing checks, clogging lanes at the wall and protecting the net front. His first priority as a puck mover is to quickly relieve pressure and advance play-he makes smart, reliable outlet passes and will carry the puck when the lane opens-while in the offensive zone he can get pucks through from the blue line and create plays with timely distribution. Dependable, hard-nosed and positionally sound, Ravndahl brings a low-risk, effective defensive game that stabilizes the Blazers’ back end.
Ryan Michael (D, L, 6’3″, 196, Kamloops Blazers, 02/05/2005, RPI)
Game Rating
B+
Michael is a well-rounded defenseman with excellent mobility, allowing him to defend his zone aggressively while also showcasing strong puck handling and puck-moving instincts. He consistently makes a strong first pass and is willing to transport the puck out of danger, demonstrating his ability to contribute in both defensive and neutral zones. While he may not be the most physically dominant player on the ice, Michael’s poise and patience with the puck enable him to maintain control under pressure.
1 Viewing
Comments: Michael, a 6’2′ left-shot defenceman who logged about 24 minutes in this game, is a high-usage two-way blueliner – a regular on the second power-play and a top penalty killer – whose very good skating and mobility show up in all three zones; he actively moves along the offensive blue line to create shooting lanes, stays tight and disciplined through the neutral zone to cut off attackers, and in the defensive end closes gaps quickly while hitting and pinning effectively. He brings a gritty physical edge and will seek the big hit when appropriate, but pairs that with a heady, composed puck game – excellent awareness of teammate positioning and strong distribution skills make him as valuable with possession and transition as he is in shutdown situations… just an overall very solid contributor.
Harrison Brunicke (D, R, 6’3″, 195, Kamloops Blazers, 05/08/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Brunicke is a highly skilled right-shot defender who excels at multiple facets of the game. He possesses excellent mobility, speed, and decision-making skills that allow him to make plays effectively both in his own end and on the offensive zone. With good hands and vision, he can quarterback from the top and drive play by transporting the puck out of his own zone. Defensively, Brunicke brings physicality, finishes through the neutral zone, and wins one-on-one battles.
1 Viewing
Comments: Brunicke delivered an elevated, high-level playoff performance, standing out as a skilful, puck-moving defenseman who played with pace and intent; he was generally reliable in his own end, made consistent, accurate outlet passes, and repeatedly carried the puck himself to relieve pressure and spring transitions. He showed an aggressive offensive will-jumping into the attack often and creating danger (including beating a defender one-on-one and a slick forehand-to-backhand deke that was denied by the Rockets’ goalie)-and finished the night with almost 23 minutes of ice time. The only blemishes were a few moments in the defensive zone where he didn’t react with the necessary urgency, but overall he was active, noticeable on every shift, and clearly stepped up when needed.
Jordan Keller (C, L, 5’11”, 177, Kamloops Blazers, 03/08/2005)
Game Rating
B
Keller is a well-rounded forward who brings a reliable game to the Blazers. He combines strong skating with excellent puck-handling skills, allowing him to drive attacks and create chances. His ability to navigate tight areas and make plays under pressure makes him an effective playmaker on the man advantage. Keller’s defensive skills are equally impressive, as he protects the slot and down low coverage effectively. He provides dependable two-way minutes for the Blazers and competes hard in battles. While there is room for improvement in terms of finishing duels, Keller’s overall value to the team lies in his versatility, intelligence, and work ethic.
1 Viewing
Comments: Keller logged nearly 20 minutes – second among his forward group – and made an impact both on the top power play and the penalty kill, displaying a steady, reliable two-way game. He reads the defensive zone well, closes gaps effectively on down low coverage and can drive play through the neutral zone (though he does not have elite speed) to gain the blue line and create opportunities; his agility and tight-area puck skills allow him to make plays under pressure. Keller raised his physicality in this outing, consistently battling to the hard areas and showing willingness to engage, though his puck-battle success dipped to ~40% in the game (roughly 50% on the season). He was a bit below his usual level on faceoffs this night versus a season mark near 55%, but overall he brings dependable, consistent minutes that stabilize the Blazers’ attack and special teams.
Josh Evaschesen (C, L, 6’2″, 191, Kamloops Blazers, 08/11/2006, RPI)
Game Rating
B
Evaschesen is a hard-working, dependable two-way forward with a strong 200-foot game and reliable defensive instincts. He excels at both ends of the ice, consistently winning board battles and forechecking hard. His puck skills are solid, allowing him to pursue loose pucks and make efficient outlet plays. While his skating mechanics could use refinement, particularly in terms of stride length and top-end speed, he is a consistent contributor on the ice. Evaschesen has a knack for creating offense in transition and projects as a dependable, all-around player at higher levels. He takes responsibility in his own zone and drives play from the middle.
1 Viewing
Comments: Evaschesen is a dependable, hard-nosed competitor who brings a consistent, gritty game every night – not a flashy skater but he moves with good top-end speed and mobility, allowing him to be effective in all three zones. He excels in the dirty areas along the walls and in front of the net, consistently winning puck battles, crashing the crease and pushing back in scrums; his season puck-battle success rate sits just above 50%. He plays with competitive urgency on special teams, serving as a net-front presence and puck-retriever on the top power play – using strong hands in tight to tip, screen and finish – while also contributing on the top penalty-killing unit. In this game he logged 18:30 of ice time, showing coaches trust in his defensive reliability, physicality and situational playmaking.
Harrison Boettiger (G, L, 6’2″, 189, Kelowna Rockets, 12/11/2007)
Game Rating
A-
Boettiger showcased strong technical skills, particularly in terms of positioning and tracking the puck through traffic. He made several key saves during high-pressure situations, including a clutch cross-ice stop and a sharp positional save on a behind-the-net feed to a one-timer netfront. His rebound control and situational awareness were notable aspects of his performance, allowing him to consistently frustrate the opposition and keep his team competitive. In terms of movement, Boettiger’s quick post-to-post and side-to-side movements were sharp and effective, but sometimes he lost his net on hard pushes. He battles aggressively for loose pucks around the crease and challenges shooters at the top of the paint consistently. His overall performance demonstrated a strong combination of reliability, competitiveness, and movement.
1 Viewing
Comments: Boettiger was the clear difference early and ultimately in this game, finishing with 34 saves (16 in the first period) and several very difficult stops; he showed excellent lateral quickness and control – sliding from right to left to make a tight pad stop on the top of the crease and flashing a soft glove hand on a difficult Hurlbert wrister look easy from the hashmarks – while consistently staying square and composed in the crease so second-chance opportunities were minimized and rebounds were rare. He remained calm under traffic, tracked pucks well and made a strong semi-breakaway stop by staying tall through a forehand-to-backhand move, but his value really stood out in the first 10 minutes when he turned aside four or five very difficult chances; projection: a reliable, technically-sound starter-type with above-average athleticism and elite short-burst stopper instincts in high-leverage moments.
Keith McInnis (D, L, 6’1″, 197, Kelowna Rockets, 01/08/2006, Minnesota Duluth)
Game Rating
B+
Keith McInnis is a well-rounded defenseman who consistently delivers a strong two-way game. He excels in both offense and defense, showcasing excellent skating ability, puck skills, and mobility. McInnis reads plays effectively, finds teammates quickly, and delivers accurate passes to set up scoring opportunities. His physical edge and defensive instincts make him a key player on the penalty kill and power play. McInnis’s versatility is a major asset, allowing him to handle heavy minutes in all situations while maintaining a high level of performance. He combines strong defensive skills with legitimate offensive tools, making him difficult to match up against. Despite not always being flashy on the scoresheet, McInnis consistently impacts the game and is a reliable contributor for his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: McInnis logged nearly 24 minutes (second-most on the team) and was a cornerstone of both the penalty kill and power play, delivering a high-end, steady two-way game; he produced 13 takeaways, won roughly 55% of puck battles (season average), and uses excellent mobility to get up tight on attackers, locking the neutral zone and force early turnovers. He recovers quickly on retrievals, communicates effectively with his defensive partner, and reliably makes the right plays – prioritizing hard, flat breakout passes to the forwards over individual carrying but, he can transport when needed. Also on display was a willingness to block shots, as he did on several occasions during a four on three penalty killing situation. At the offensive blue line he creates space for himself with strong footwork and mobility and consistently gets off quick, heavy, dangerous shots from the point.
Mazden Leslie (D, R, 6’0″, 189, Kelowna Rockets, 04/15/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Leslie is a reliable two-way defenseman who consistently logs heavy minutes and impacts play across all three zones. He excels in both his own zone and on the power play, showcasing good puck-moving instincts, excellent skating, and top-end speed. Leslie’s ability to lead rushes or jump into the attack as a secondary attacker makes him a threat in the offensive zone, and he consistently seeks offense, joining and leading rushes or providing an extra layer. In terms of defensive responsibility, Leslie is sound but sometimes lacks urgency and recognition, requiring improvement in tight defensive situations. He wins a strong share of battles and is trusted on both power play and penalty kill, making him a valuable 200-foot player for his team. With clean retrievals and crisper outlet passing, Leslie’s game will reach its full potential.
1 Viewing
Comments: Leslie is a reliable, mobile defenseman for the Rockets who made a steady, impactful contribution across all three zones, logging nearly 21 minutes in this game. He displayed improved timing when jumping into plays and smart puck decisions-showing poise and patience with the puck, willing to step down off the blue line to create without panicking under pressure. A strong passer, he effectively outlets to relieve pressure but also comfortably transports the puck up ice himself, often creating small breakout plays in the defensive zone that get his team moving. In the offensive zone he’s confident moving down the walls, protects the puck while keeping his feet moving and his head up to find options, and he makes plays without forcing them. His value is underscored by regular deployment on the top power-play unit and trusted minutes on the penalty kill, marking him as a key two-way contributor.
Tomas Poletin (RW, L, 6’1″, 206, Kelowna Rockets, 04/30/2007)
Game Rating
B
Poletin displayed a strong all-around skill set, showcasing his physicality and competitiveness on both offense and defense. He effectively uses his body to win battles in the crease and along the boards, consistently driving to the net and battling for rebounds. His vision and playmaking skills are notable, as evident in a textbook two-on-one feed that created a high-quality scoring chance. Poletin’s skating is also impressive, with good top-end speed and quickness in tight areas.
1 Viewing
Comments: Poletin skated just under 17 minutes, drawing duty on the second power play and on the penalty kill, and showed a heavy, competitive game – he registered four hits and battled hard in the corners and on the walls – though that physical number needs to trend upward for him to become the true presence his style promises and has shown. He’s strong on the walls and in traffic, protects the puck well and can break coverage with quick, evasive bursts; one sequence saw him win a battle, dart to the net off the wall and deliver a sharp cross-ice feed that was only denied by a quality save. To unlock his ceiling he must regain a quicker pace of play and sustain his physicality more consistently, but the tools to cause problems for opponents are clearly there.
Carson Wetsch (RW, R, 6’1″, 201, Kelowna Rockets, 05/04/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Carson Wetsch is a hard-working, physical forward who consistently outworks opponents in the offensive zone. He excels at grinding down the attacker, creating chaos in front of the net, and challenging defensemen on the attack. With excellent on-ice awareness, Wetsch finds teammates and creates chances through his playmaking ability and vision. His high hockey IQ allows him to make smart decisions and drive the net regularly. Wetsch is a versatile team captain who brings a gritty, physical edge to the game. He is a strong skater with solid puck skills, using his speed to beat defensemen wide before cutting hard to the net. Despite some inconsistency in finishing opportunities, Wetsch’s compete level, leadership, and net-front presence make him a reliable player.
1 Viewing
Comments: Wetsch returned from a one-game suspension and immediately set the tone as a heavy, physical presence – dropping a big hit on his first shift and finishing with seven hits while consistently finding himself in the middle of scrums; he competes hard along the walls and isn’t afraid to consistently finish checks. He logged north of 17 minutes, skating on the second power play and the penalty kill, showing coaches trust in his special-teams versatility. Offensively he delivered a typical net-front goal – attacking the crease hard and burying a rebound from the top of the crease – demonstrating good instincts and willingness to do the dirty work. Overall he profiles as a power-forward/energy forward who provides physicality, net-front scoring and special-teams value.
Jacob Henderson (D, R, 6’1″, 191, Kelowna Rockets, 03/13/2008)
Game Rating
B
Henderson is a reliable right-side defenseman known for his dependable playmaking skills, strong puck handling, and physical edge. He consistently supplies steady minutes on the back end, engaging opponents with confidence and finishing checks hard. Henderson’s vision and passing ability allow him to make smart first passes and effective secondary plays, often creating opportunities for his teammates. His battle win rate is high, indicating a strong competitive spirit.
1 Viewing
Comments: Henderson is a reliable, mobile right-side defenseman who provides valuable depth for the Rockets’ veteran-laden blue line; as a young player he skates well, defends the rush effectively and is consistently physical and smart down low, using strong positioning to box out around the crease and solid on the walls. He brings legitimate bite to his game-and can slide up or down the lineup thanks to steady puck skills, patient playmaking and deceptive retrievals. In this outing he played a dependable 13 minutes (all five-on-five), won 55% of his puck battles and was rewarded offensively when he pinched down the wall and snapped a quick-release wrister past the surprised goaltender, underlining his poise and ability to make the simple, correct plays under pressure.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images