Played on Mar 4, 2026
Game Played in Prospera Place
General Game Notes: This game had some intensity…a hard hitting chippy affair as both these teams could be playoff opponents with this game finishing with the Rockets prevailing 5-2. The Rockets had five different goal scorers but again it was again Tig Iginla leading the way for the Rockets with a goal and three assists. Shane Smith, Ryan Oothoudt, Keith McInnis and Carson Wetsch rounded out the scoring. The Chiefs got goals from Ossie McIntyre and Chase Harrington.
Mazden Leslie (D, R, 6’0″, 189, Kelowna Rockets, 04/15/2005)
Game Rating
A-
Leslie is a dynamic right defenseman with exceptional skating ability, speed, and puck skills. He consistently leads rushes or jumps into the attack as a third/fourth layer, showcasing his playmaking instincts and ability to read the game. His willingness to be physical also adds to his game, allowing him to finish checks hard and win battles in the neutral zone. While Leslie’s defensive game is generally sound, he sometimes lacks urgency and recognition in the defensive zone. However, he consistently seeks offense and provides a strong layer of defense, making him a valuable asset on both special teams units. Leslie’s mobility and puck skills allow him to navigate the ice seamlessly, creating scoring opportunities and making smart transitional reads. He is a reliable two-way contributor who brings steady physicality, puck-skills, and special-teams value.
1 Viewing
Comments: Leslie, the Rockets captain, logged 25+ minutes of ice time and was very good at both ends of the rink-reliable defensively, physical in his own zone, and consistently able to exit pressure by transporting the puck or finding open teammates on the breakout. He shows a willingness to lead rushes or jump into the play as a secondary attacker, is very active at the offensive blue line (frequently coming down for one-timers and occupying open lanes), and brought a noticeable physical edge in this game, including a spirited bout with a key opponent. The primary area for improvement is his recent battle win rate, which has dipped over the last six games, though his season average still sits north of 50%.
Parker Alcos (D, R, 6’3″, 181, Kelowna Rockets, 07/20/2006, Quinnipiac)
Game Rating
B+
Parker Alcos is a versatile defenseman with a well-rounded skill set, evident in his ability to contribute significantly on both power play and penalty kill units. He possesses excellent puck-handling skills, which enable him to effectively quarterback the power play and distribute pucks with purpose. Additionally, Alcos demonstrates strong skating abilities, mobility, and hockey IQ, allowing him to recover quickly from mistakes and maintain possession of the puck. He is a confident player who shows great vision on the ice, making smart passes and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. While refining his physical play and gap consistency would be beneficial, Alcos’s overall game suggests he has the potential to become a reliable top-four defenseman. His work ethic and ability to perform well in various situations make him an attractive option for teams looking for a dependable two-way rearguard.
1 Viewing
Comments: Alcos is a mobile, right-shot defenceman who logged 24 minutes (second-most among defensemen) and played meaningful roles on the second power-play and on the penalty kill; he’s very good on retrievals-evading pressure to move the puck or transport it out of his zone to initiate offense-and consistently uses strong lateral movement at the offensive blue line to either get pucks through or create space as he jumps down off the line. His mobility also makes him effective defensively in the neutral zone, taking away time and space from opposing attackers and disrupting entries, while his season-long battle win rate of roughly 55% indicates solid effectiveness on puck battles. Overall he profiles as a puck-moving, transition-oriented defender who can contribute in special teams and lead the breakout, with room to tighten up physical consistency.
Tij Iginla (C, L, 6’0″, 191, Kelowna Rockets, 08/01/2006)
Game Rating
A
Iginla is a dynamic forward who consistently creates danger off the rush, utilizing his elite mobility, quick hands, and speed to beat defenders one-on-one. He effectively sustains zone possession through curl-backs and tight puck control, and can find late support on the attack with his reliable wrist shot or make plays in seams. Iginla also displays strong power game instincts, absorbing contact while maintaining possession and protecting the puck in traffic. His ability to drive pace and create consistent chances makes him a valuable contributor to both offense and defense.
1 Viewing
Comments: Iginla is a game-changing, multidimensional forward who influences play every time he steps on the ice – in this outing he logged 28+ minutes, had a goal and three assists and was on the ice for all five Rockets goals. He anchors the top power play from the flank while serving as the late-man on the breakout, and is consistently first over the boards on the penalty kill, providing heavy special-teams minutes. He combines high-end vision and playmaking both in tight and at speed, can drive offense and finish with a very dangerous release, and despite not being the biggest player he plays a power game – willingly attacks pucks into traffic, protects at a high level and consistently wins battles. He also showed in this game that he is willing to push back when necessary.
Vojtech Cihar (LW, L, 6’0″, 187, Kelowna Rockets, 03/29/2007)
Game Rating
A-
Cihar is a skilled hockey player with impressive speed, agility, and puck skills, showcasing his potential as a high-end talent. He excels at reading plays and making smart decisions on the ice, often finding himself in position to create scoring opportunities. On defense, he is reliable and physical, willing to block shots and support his team’s penalty kill. As an offensive player, Cihar has the ability to create separation from defenders and finish chances with a heavy, hard-released shot. He is also effective at distributing the puck to his teammates and can be a key component of his team’s power play unit.
1 Viewing
Comments: Cihar is trending the right way as he grows more comfortable in his North American surroundings, showing greater confidence and jump, having an all-around impact at both ends of the ice. Offensively he’s dangerous – elite top-end speed and mobility allow him to attack seams and unleash a heavy, hard wrist shot, but his best trait in this game was playmaking and on-ice vision; he routinely sees options before the puck arrives, exemplified by a perfect cross-ice power-play feed from the goal line to a streaking back door teammate who buried, and a 100-foot breakaway pass that resulted in a goal. He has also evolved to both the top power-play and penalty killing units. He’s also become more willing to play a physical game and the coaching staff is rewarding him with more responsibility and minutes (about 23 in this outing, roughly five more than his season average), suggesting he can handle increased usage moving forward, not surprising given his effortless skating ability.
Chase Harrington (LW, L, 6’1″, 196, Spokane Chiefs, 10/30/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Harrington is a well-rounded forward with a strong skill set, showcasing impressive speed and quickness that enable him to drive play through the neutral zone. He consistently demonstrates smart puck management and playmaking instincts, creating opportunities for himself and teammates alike. A reliable two-way presence, Harrington excels in winning battles on the boards and creating sustained net-front traffic. While he can improve his defensive zone awareness, his overall skill set makes him a dependable force on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Harrington is a high-impact offensive forward with a complete skill set and a clear scoring touch-demonstrated here by an on and off the stick very quickly burying the wrister top-shelf from close range-who projects as a potential power-forward threat. He mixes strong puck skills and playmaking with above-average straight-line speed and transition ability, consistently engages physically on the body (including a heated scrap with the Rockets captain), is effective battling through traffic, and eats heavy minutes (19+ in this game) while serving as a key net-front/pop out presence on the top power play.
Asanali Sarkenov (RW, L, 6’3″, 211, Spokane Chiefs, 07/22/2006)
Game Rating
B
Asanali Sarkenov possesses a versatile skill set that makes him an asset to his team. As a smooth skater, he excels in transition play, effortlessly gliding across the ice. His defensive awareness is also noteworthy, as he consistently applies pressure and covers his opponent’s movements effectively. When handling the puck, Sarkenov demonstrates poise, making intelligent decisions and creating opportunities for himself or teammates through effective protection on the wall. To unlock his full potential, however, he must balance his defense with increased physicality, using his strength to drive play forward and create scoring chances in key areas of the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Sarkenov is a big-bodied left wing who in this game showcased the traits that make him a player that has a solid skillset. Although he played only about 11:30 – roughly four minutes below his season average – he consistently used his very good skating ability and speed to pressure defenders wide, then deployed quick crossovers and strong edge work to attack the middle ice and create opportunities; that pattern repeated throughout the contest rather than appearing as a one-off. His combination of of good puck skills along with the aforementioned, skating skills, would project well for him…but this needs to happen game in game out. Where there seems to be a deficiency is in puck battle success, which stands at about 45% on the season, low for a player of his stature, which may tell a tale as to why his point production is where it is at.
Marek Howell (D, L, 6’3″, 207, Spokane Chiefs, 05/19/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Howell is a big-bodied, stay-at-home defenseman who brings steadiness to the Chiefs’ blue line; he logged just over 17 minutes in this game (about five minutes below his season average) and remains reliable in his own end. He defends the walls effectively, winning roughly 55% of his battles, and uses his length and good mobility to stay tight through the neutral zone and take away time and space. His skating is adequate for gap control, his puck skills are sound – he makes a dependable first pass – and while his game is primarily defensive, he shows the vision to make smart plays in the offensive zone when opportunities arise. Howell finishes checks, pushes opponents off pucks, and projects as a physical, disciplined, solid defensive option.
Rhett Sather (D, L, 5’11”, 178, Spokane Chiefs, 09/25/2008, Nebraska Omaha)
Game Rating
B+
Rhett Sather is a highly skilled two-way defenseman who excels in various aspects of the game. He possesses excellent mobility, allowing him to effectively retrieve pucks and create space on the ice. His vision and decision-making are strong, enabling him to make smart plays and support his team’s attack. While he may not be overly physical, Sather’s ability to angle well and finish checks makes him a formidable opponent in scrums. Sather’s puck-handling skills are also noteworthy, as he can smoothly carry the puck and distribute it with precision. He is capable of joining the rush and competing for pucks, demonstrating his comfort on the ice. His strong hockey IQ and ability to read the game project him as a reliable top-four defenseman who excels in key situational roles.
1 Viewing
Comments: Sather plays a confident, 200-foot game and reliably brings a high level of play at both ends of the ice; his mobility and 1-on-1 defensive play down low make him difficult to beat, and he consistently engages in net-front scrums and physical battles (55% battle success rate on the season). A very good skater with strong puck skills, he willingly transports the puck out of the defensive end and is an effective puck-mover who can walk the offensive blue line, identify seams and use a quick release to get shots through. He is a versatile special-teams piece, contributing on the second power play and the penalty kill, and in this game he led the defensive corps with nearly 23 minutes of ice time, showing reliability and trust from coaching staff.
Logan Wormald (C, L, 5’10”, 156, Spokane Chiefs, 08/12/2005, Nebraska Omaha)
Game Rating
A-
Wormald is a dynamic forward with a compact yet impactful build. He excels in multiple facets of his game, showcasing his top-end speed and agility on the ice. In the offensive zone, he possesses quick puck skills, allowing him to create space and opportunities for himself and teammates. Wormald’s ability to dangle defensemen and finish shots or find open teammates makes him a threat on both the power play and penalty kill. Defensively, he demonstrates reliable awareness, using his intelligence and quickness to win battles for the puck and cut off opponents’ movements. This allows him to protect the puck effectively and make smart decisions in his own zone. With his well-rounded skill set and two-way instincts, Wormald is poised to be a key contributor on the middle-six line at the college level.
1 Viewing
Comments: Wormwald (5’10’) is a dynamic, multi-dimensional forward with elite quickness, top-end speed complimented with excellent puck skills that make him a constant attack threat despite his smaller frame. He shows excellent playmaking instincts and puck distribution – comfortable quarterbacking at the top of the power play (a five forward unit) – while also earning coaches’ trust to play the defensive side of the man-advantage, where he showed he skates well backwards and can handle high-end attackers, such as a Iginla. He let his team with 25+ minutes of ice time, was also first over the boards on the penalty kill and did not back down in any net front pushback scenarios. Highly shifty with strong evasive instincts (notably a slick behind-the-net move that led to a dangerous net-front chance) and a heavy wrist shot, Wormwald impacts play in all zones even when the scoresheet for him doesn’t reflect it.
Tyus Sparks (RW, R, 6’0″, 182, Spokane Chiefs, 01/04/2008)
Game Rating
B
Tyus Sparks is a dynamic right winger who boasts a versatile skillset that makes him a valuable asset on the ice. He possesses a deadly accurate shot, capable of unleashing heavy one-timers and wristers from soft spots in the offensive zone. Sparks’ skating ability is also noteworthy, with a powerful stride and excellent top-end speed that causes problems for defenders. He plays a strong, physical game, using his edges and stride to create separation and competing hard in high-danger areas. Sparks also demonstrates good puck control and balance when engaged physically, making him a reliable finisher on net-front plays. His ability to make plays under pressure and protect pucks well makes him an effective contributor on the power play and penalty kill. Sparks’ game is characterized by his mobility, board play, and willingness to battle, which project as key assets for an impact forward at higher levels. Overall, he plays a multi-dimensional game that showcases his strengths in several areas, making him a promising prospect with significant upside.
1 Viewing
Comments: Sparks flashed clear upside in this outing, logging 20+ minutes and top-six deployment for the Chiefs; his combination of above-average skating, top end speed allows him to consistently gain separation and be dangerous on the attack…and his puck skills and strength on the puck-despite not being a large player-help him protect possession and drive play. He shows competitive bite, is a natural shooter with a pro-caliber release, and consistently finds soft spots in the offensive zone to create shooting chances; he also displayed playmaking vision and patience on a two-on-one, delivering a precise saucer feed to Hughes for a goal. A fixture on the top power play as the late-man on the breakout and flank shooter for one-timers, Sparks projects as a dangerous offensive piece, though he would benefit from digging in harder and sustaining that compete level more consistently to flaunt and fully unlock his skill set.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images