Things that make me go hmm...

• The question has now been answered if Ryan Cuthbert is indeed ready for a head coaching job at the WHL level. Cuthbert has been exceptional in his 'fill in role' as interim head coach during Ryan Huska's absence. Still just 28, Cuthbert appears to be the heir apparent to the head coaching duties should Huska move on to the pro ranks. Again the Rockets are doing a tremendous job of not only developing players but coaches. Nothing in life is guaranteed, but its nice to know the team would be in good hands if Huska moves to 'higher ground'.
  
• If you missed it, Madison Bowey was named a first team all-star at the Mac's Midget Hockey Tournament in Calgary over the Christmas holidays. Bowey is a second round pick of the Rockets from this summers draft and made his debut against the Lethbridge Hurricanes December 15th. Bowey had 2+3=5 in six games for the Winnipeg Wild.
• Dylan Hood is having a terrific 20 year-old season with the Moose Jaw Warriors. Hood, who played 147 games with the Rockets, leads his team in scoring with 48 points. Hood had 48 points all of last season. The Warriors face the Rockets Thursday night.
  
• Who won the trade this summer when The Rockets sent 19 year-old defenceman Collin Bowman to the Warriors for 19 year-old Kevin Smith? Bowman has 23 points (8+15=23) in 39 games while Smith has 16 points (3+13=16) in 38 games. Both teams can agree on one thing. Both needed a change of scenery.
• The Spokane Chiefs are the best team I've seen this season. What I like most about them is their work ethic. It's an all-out assault when they play you. No short cuts are taken with this team. They come at you hard and score greasy goals because they are in your face all the time. The Chiefs are playing playoff style hockey now, which means trouble for those that meet them when the real season starts in late March. No question you need skill to succeed, but heart, determination and work ethic can take you a long way.
  
• Here's the dilemma facing the Rockets following the return of Tyson Barrie and Mitchell Callahan from the World Junior's. Do they play against the Warriors Thursday night or watch the game from the sidelines? With the start of three games in three night's for the Rockets, it makes sense not to play them. But what happens if the Warriors dress Quinton Howden against the Rockets? It doesn't make Barrie and Callahan look very good. if they are sitting in the stands with a popcorn in their hands. For the players sake, I hope all three are given the night off. No question they will be recognized for their accomplishments before the opening face-off .
• The Warriors are an impressive 5 and 2 without Howden. The Rockets are 4 and 4 without Barrie and 4 and 2 without Callahan. Callahan played two more games than Barrie before attending the training camp with the USA World Junior team.