Mid August Thoughts

• What a week it's been. After two weeks of holidays, with stops in Idaho and Washington, it was back in the saddle as the afternoon news/sports reader on AM 1150. Management had to go to the bullpen as two of our news staff moved on to bigger and better things in Toronto and Vancouver. A shortage of staff translates into the play-by-play guy taking over the anchor chair.
• Excited. That would best describe defenceman Kevin Smith, who was acquired this past week from the Moose Jaw Warriors. Smith met the Rockets coaching staff on Tuesday while I spoke to him by phone from his North Vancouver home Friday afternoon. Smith is thrilled with the trade and can't wait to arrived for camp later this month.
• What do I think of the Smith/Bowman trade? Bowman was unhappy with his role in Kelowna. You do not want an unhappy veteran in the dressing room, especially around the younger players. My hope is Bowman has a chance to develop into the type of defenceman he envisioned when he broke into the WHL three seasons ago.
• The Rockets rookie camp later this month will be held in a venue other than Prospera Place. Cirque du Solei is coming to town August 25th to the 29th, so the Rockets will be moving camp to the Capital News Centre.
• Astral Media and the Kelowna Rockets hosted their annual sponsorship golf tournament at the Harvest Golf and Country Club Wednesday afternoon. It was great to touch base with all of the sponsors that make Rockets broadcasts possible on AM 1150. I never forget the role they play in allowing me to call junior hockey games on the radio.
• It's time to archive some audio. Here is a piece that will bring back some memories.