Played on Jan 30, 2026
Game Played in Prospera Place
General Game Notes: The hometown Kelowna Rockets snapped a 2-2 tie with two goals in the third period for an important 4-2 victory over the Prince George Cougars. Owen Folstrom scored the eventual winner, off of a fortunate bounce off the backboards that went in off of goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen’s skate. Tomas Poletin, Parker Alcos and Keith McInnis into an empty net rounded out the scoring for the Rockets. Cooper Gizowski and Riley Ashe scored the Cougars goals.
Keith McInnis (D, L, 6’1″, 197, Kelowna Rockets, 01/08/2006, Minnesota Duluth)
Game Rating
A-
Keith McInnis is a reliable two-way defenseman known for his exceptional all-around skill set. He excels at handling heavy responsibilities on both the power play and penalty kill, delivering true 200-foot value. His mobile skating and quick hands allow him to quarterback the attack and make clean exits under pressure. McInnis also boasts excellent vision, enabling him to find seams and create plays in tight spaces.
1 Viewing
Comments: McInnis is a dependable two-way force for the Rockets who impacts the game over 200 feet – trusted on both the top power play and the penalty kill – and in this outing led the club with 25 minutes of ice time in a win over a tough Prince George squad. Though not always flashy on the scoresheet, he did finish with an empty-net goal, an assist and a +4 rating while winning 55% of his battles, reflecting an all-around strong night. A very good skater with excellent mobility, he combines high-end compete and physicality with strong defensive instincts, yet also brings legitimate offensive tools: confident puck skills, effective puck-moving ability and a hard, accurate pass that make him a power-play weapon. Overall he pairs above-average skill with gritty, hard-nosed play, making him difficult to play against in all situations.
Mazden Leslie (D, R, 6’0″, 189, Kelowna Rockets, 04/15/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Mazden Leslie is a dependable, high-minute defenseman who excels in both his physical and puck-skills aspects. He consistently competes hard, plays physical, and wins a significant portion of his battles. On offense, he is active, adaptable, and makes smart reads, contributing to the team’s success. His ability to move the puck with authority and carry it out of trouble makes him a reliable asset in his own zone. Leslie’s skating ability is notable, allowing him to evade pressure and make plays in transition. He is also effective on special teams, serving as the primary quarterback on the top power play. While he may struggle with retrievals at times, his overall game tilts offensively, making him a valuable asset at the collegiate level.
1 Viewing
Comments: Leslie is a high-end, reliable two-way contributor for the Rockets who logs heavy minutes (22+ in this game) and impacts play across all three zones; he skates well with good top-end speed but could add another gear in quickness, while his puck skills and IQ are excellent – he pre-scans, finds seams, and makes the little plays that jump-start the attack. He consistently seeks offense, joining and leading rushes or providing an extra layer in the offensive zone, and is equally responsible defensively, strong net-front and physical along the boards. He wins a strong share of battles (65% in this game; about 55% on the season) and is trusted on both the power play and penalty kill, making him a valuable 200-foot player for the Rockets.
Ty Halaburda (LW, R, 5’11”, 190, Kelowna Rockets, 04/22/2005, Colorado College)
Game Rating
A-
Halaburda’s on-ice presence is marked by his ability to contribute significantly in both defensive and offensive zones. He excels as a skater, boasting high-end speed and strong edges that enable him to outmaneuver opponents in puck battles (60% success rate). His willingness to engage physically and create space allows him to consistently work through traffic and secure loose pucks. On the defensive end, Halaburda provides reliable coverage by staying below the puck until possession is secured. In front of the net, he is a threat due to his advanced vision and ability to make plays.
1 Viewing
Comments: Halaburda is a dynamic, 200-foot forward who brings pace, elite skating and high-end puck skills to the Rockets; his 46 points (22 goals) in 49 games underline his dual threat as both a finisher and a distributor. He consistently generates on the attack-using speed to drive the net, draw defenders and make timely feeds-and his compete level away from the puck is evident in his relentlessness to regain possession. Special teams trust is clear: he logged 21 minutes in this game (second among Rockets forwards) and plays on both the top power play and penalty kill. Areas for improvement include overall technique/engagement in board battles and 50/50 situations-his season battle success sits at 45%-though he offsets that with a strong faceoff game (better than 55% on the year), making him a reliable, impact two-way option in all situations.
Hiroki Gojsic (RW, R, 6’3″, 202, Kelowna Rockets, 05/01/2006)
Game Rating
B
Gojsic is a physically gifted right winger with a strong stride and reliable puck skills, allowing him to make plays and create scoring opportunities. He possesses good top-end speed and can use his size to his advantage in front of the net, making him a formidable presence on power-plays. However, there are areas for improvement, such as adding more consistency to his physical play, particularly in battles along the boards and in traffic. In terms of his overall skill set, Gojsic showcases good skating ability, puck handling, and a heavy shot. He can also play with a physical game and is used on both power-plays and penalty kills, but his inconsistency in these areas holds him back from reaching his full potential.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gojsic is a big-bodied right winger with above-average skating – a powerful stride, combined with very good puck skills, allows him to be difficult to knock off the puck; he plays the flank on the Rockets’ top power play and shows his reliable puck skills as the late guy on the power-play breakout, where he is effective at navigating through traffic. He can be physical on the forecheck and has the raw tools to project as a true power forward, but his tendency at times is to stay on the perimeter and not attack the middle limits his impact in traffic and in high-danger areas. His 45% success rate on battles this season is low for a player of his size and strength and suggests he needs to dig in on a more consistent basis to realize his upside. In this game he skated on his season average~16 minutes, showing the skill set and usage to build from if he improves his compete consistency.
Carson Carels (D, L, 6’2″, 197, Prince George Cougars, 06/23/2008)
Game Rating
A-
Carson Carels is a dynamic and versatile defenseman who consistently impacts all areas of the ice with ease. He excels at both ends of the rink, displaying composed puck-movement skills, strong vision, and impressive physicality. His excellent gap control, mobility, and anticipation allow him to effectively disrupt plays in the neutral zone. On offense, he is a confident puck-handler who can lead rushes and create chances with his sharp first pass and instincts. Carels’s defensive game has evolved significantly, showcasing steady play combined with adept puck movement. He consistently holds his ground in net-front battles and demonstrates significant pushback against opponents. His ability to quarterback the top power play unit while also contributing on penalty killing highlights his versatility as a defender.
1 Viewing
Comments: Carels is a high-end two-way defenceman for the Cougars who controls the game nightly – he routinely leads the team in ice time, this game with 27+ minutes, about five more than the next teammate – and impacts play at both ends. A very good skater with mobility to match, and good top-end speed, he pairs strong skating with excellent puck skills, vision and puck-moving ability, regularly making sharp reads in transition, jumping in out of nowhere, to lead or jump into the attack and create odd-man chances. Equally physical and competitive, he consistently imposes himself down low and in front of the net, throws heavy hits regardless of the opponent, and sneaks effective weak-side jumps in the offensive zone. On the penalty kill he’s attentive and disruptive – quick to pounce, uses an active stick or a hard body play while holding position – and he brings a heavy shot and confident, assertive play every shift. Bottom line, he’s a player.
Arseni Anisimov (D, L, 6’0″, 177, Prince George Cougars, 11/25/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Anisimov is a mobile and versatile defenseman who excels in multiple situations. He competes effectively in puck battles with good technique and demonstrates smooth, efficient skating that allows him to separate in transition. His poise with the puck enables him to make strong first passes, setting up breakouts and finding open teammates. In the defensive zone, he shows sound gap control and projects as a puck-moving defenseman. To further develop his game, Anisimov could benefit from added functional strength to sustain contact and increase success in battles. However, overall, he is a reliable top-four defenseman with strong hockey IQ, consistently making smart plays and moving the puck to teammates.
1 Viewing
Comments: Anisimov is a smooth, highly effective puck-moving defenseman for the Cougars who profiles as a reliable top-four blueliner; his excellent skating-clean stride, quickness, evasiveness and good top speed-allows him to retrieve pucks, evade forecheckers and close gaps one-on-one, while smart body positioning in puck races consistently cuts off opponents and wins crucial positioning battles. Offensively he drives play as a distributor (32 points, 27 assists this season), quarterbacks the second power play, and logs heavy minutes at even strength (third among team defensemen at 22+ minutesthis game), and defensively he’s a composed penalty killer who uses his feet and gap control rather than heavy hits to frustrate attackers. Quiet and effective in style, Anisimov projects as a steady, two-way defender who adds playmaking from the back end and dependable special-teams value, though he is not an overly physical presence.
Townes Kozicky (C, R, 6’1″, 177, Prince George Cougars, 06/30/2008)
Game Rating
B
Kozicky is a high-energy player with a strong work ethic and physical presence on the ice. He excels at closing gaps, finishing checks, and creating front-of-net traffic with his shots. While he doesn’t possess elite puck skills, he uses his skating ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. As a center, Kozicky has good mobility and decent top-end speed, but could improve his stride mechanics to enhance his overall effectiveness. He is also capable of competing hard along the boards and recovering loose pucks, making him a reliable asset on defense. With added strength, Kozicky’s physicality would increase, allowing him to sustain plays through contact and create more scoring chances. While he may not be a primary driver of offense at this stage, his playmaking skills and ability to recover pucks make him an valuable addition to the team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Kozicki is a young, 6’1′ right-shooting center who delivered highly effective minutes despite modest time on ice of almost 11 minutes; his relentless pursuit and consistent involvement created constant chaos for opposing defensemen. He competes hard, uses his body and stick intelligently to win battles, and displays strong skating with good top-end speed and good feet. His puck skills and poise were on display-most notably when he recognized a pinch just inside his blue line and delivered a sharp, timely feed into the middle lane to spring a two-on-one that resulted in a goal-showing the vision and decision-making to impact play at both ends.
Corbin Vaughan (D, L, 6’0″, 206, Prince George Cougars, 01/10/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Vaughan is a sturdy, physical presence for the Cougars who plays a dependable 200-foot game with a clear defensive focus while still chipping in offensively when needed, where he will jump down off the offensive blue line, or add another layer to the attack. He skates well-good mobility though not elite-and his puck skills and passing make him an effective puck-mover through the neutral zone and breakouts. Most valuable is his consistent toughness and physicality, which stabilizes the entire group. In this game he logged just under 13 minutes (below his season average) but still delivered reliable five-on-five minutes. With continued development of his offensive consistency and a slight uptick in deployment, he projects as a high-value bottom-pairing defender who can move up in matchups.
Riley Ashe (RW, R, 6’1″, 180, Prince George Cougars, 01/30/2006, Nebraska Omaha)
Game Rating
B
Riley Ashe is a physically imposing right winger with a strong skating ability that allows him to navigate the ice effectively. He is known for his hard-nosed style of play, consistently finishing checks and creating presence in the offensive zone. Ashe’s versatility is highlighted by his role on both top power-play and penalty-killing units, showcasing his ability to adapt to different situations. While he may benefit from refinement in puck battles, Ashe’s determination and physicality make him a valuable asset on the ice. His speed and agility allow him to create scoring opportunities off the attack, and his willingness to go to hard areas of the rink makes him a threat in both 4v4 and 3v3 situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Ashe played a highly effective, hard-nosed game for the Cougars despite just under 11 minutes of ice time, showing a valuable blend of physicality and offensive skill; he skates well, brings a consistently heavy, hard-to-handle forecheck, and because of his puck skills and quickness a half-step is all he needs to attack the net and create problems for defenders. He competes aggressively around the crease, cleans up loose pucks and thrives in scrums in front of the goalie, and his net-drive instincts paid off in this game when a weak-side rush produced an easy tap-in goal for him off a smart feed from linemate Funk. Overall, Ashe projects as a high-impact depth winger who can change a game in short shifts through his combination of strength, skating and finishing.
Tyrone Sobry (D, L, 6’2″, 184, Prince George Cougars, 07/12/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Sobry is a reliable 6’2′ left-shot, stay-at-home defenseman who logged 17+ minutes in this game as a very steady top-four option for the Cougars; he excels defensively-using his size and a heavy stick to win wall battles and lean on opponents-and posts a strong 55% season battle success rate (even higher over the last three games). He’s a good, mobile skater (though not elite as mechanics refinement would go a long way), whose confidence in his footwork and positioning allow him to press up tight in the offensive zone jumping down to cut off attacks early, and be similarly proactive in the neutral zone. His puck skills and vision are sound-he can reliably hit the middle option on breakouts-and he’s trusted on the penalty kill, providing steady, quality minutes on the back end for the club.
Dawson Seitz (F, R, 6’2″, 185, Prince George Cougars, 03/01/2005)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Seitz is a 6’2′ right winger who brings a steady, heavy game and dependable minutes to the Cougars’ lineup; in this appearance he played on the left wing seamlessly, consistently digging pucks off the wall, making smart breakout passes and providing an effective five-on-five physical presence in just over 10 minutes. His skating is solid with deceptively quick outside speed-as he beat a couple of defensemen to the net-and he makes plays in traffic and along the boards, driving play into the offensive zone. A consistent net-crasher who thrives in scrums, Seitz clearly understands his role and adds a valuable, hard-to-play-against element to the team’s attack with the ability to occasionally chip in offensively.
Jett Lajoie (LW, R, 6’0″, 196, Prince George Cougars, 02/05/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Jett Lajoie is a dynamic two-way forward who combines strong skating ability with exceptional puck skills, making him a consistent threat in transition and in the offensive zone. His physicality and willingness to pursue the puck on forechecks create trouble for defenders, while his reliable work ethic earns him roles on both power play and penalty kill units. Lajoie’s improvement is evident in his game, showcasing improved effort throughout 60 minutes of play. He excels at carrying the puck with speed through the neutral zone, serving as a valuable asset on the forecheck, and displaying strong awareness in the defensive zone. His ability to make smart plays along the walls and finish checks makes him a physical presence in games. Lajoie’s skills are well-rounded, with impressive top-end speed, quick shooting release, and strong awareness of his surroundings. He is a legitimate scoring threat and an asset on both ends of the ice, making him a valuable player moving forward.
1 Viewing
Comments: Lajoie played just under 18 minutes and was a constant impact, combining skill with gritty determination; he’s a multi-dimensional offensive threat with a heavy, accurate shot and a knack for creating chances off the rush and in traffic. He consistently drives the net from the wing, absorbing contact and using excellent top-end speed to beat defenders, while his physical game shows up on forechecks and in front-of-net scrums. Shifty and composed in tight spaces, he wins puck battles, quickly transitions from board play to the middle of the ice to shoot or make plays, and contributes reliably on special teams-effective on the second power play and active on the penalty kill, where he’ll block shots. Overall, Lajoie projects as a hard-driving scoring winger who impacts games both as a shooter and a physical, puck-moving presence.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images