Similar to two years ago, the Âé¶¹AV Rockets have fortified their lineup for a run at the Western Hockey League title.
And much like 2015—w³ó±ð²Ô the WHLprior to the trade »å±ð²¹»å±ô¾±²Ô±ð—t³ó±ð coaching staff is expecting an adjustment phase as the Rockets work on developing team chemistry.
But with the additions of forwards and and a different group of core players, assistant coach Kris Mallette said the 2017 edition of the Rockets is taking on a considerably different identity than two years ago.
“T³ó±ð°ù±ð’s always an adjustment period when you change the roster, there are new systems to learn, and it takes time to get to know the ±è±ô²¹²â±ð°ù²õ,†Mallette said.
“W¾±³Ù³ó Reid and Carsen, you have two very good players who came from good programs, who I think, given time will thrive in this environment.
“O³Ü°ù nucleus is different this time around, I want to say we »å´Ç²Ô’t have as many egos with this ²µ°ù´Ç³Ü±è,†Mallette added, comparing the two teams.
“W±ð have different personnel who I think will maybe deal with the changes a little better.
“W±ð know ¾±³Ù’s still going to take time, but it does feel »å¾±´Ú´Ú±ð°ù±ð²Ô³Ù.â€
While being far from perfect, the Rockets first game in the post-trade deadline era produced a 4-3 win Wednesday over the hometown Victoria Royals.
Dillon Dube had a goal and an assist and Kole Lind added three assists, as Âé¶¹AV scored twice in a 38-second span in the third to pull out the win.
Discipline was an issue for the Rockets, who took eight penalties including five in the second period.
On the upside, °±ð±ô´Ç·É²Ô²¹â€™s penalty killing was sharp, running at a clip of 88 per cent.
Mallette said the Rockets will have to clean up their act to be a legitimate contender in the ultra competitive Western Conference.
â€Àá³Ù’s a cause for concern, and ·É±ð’v±ð had to say it over and over to the guys that we have to be better in that area of the ²µ²¹³¾±ð,†said Mallette.
“N´Ç·É with the recent acquisitions and all our players back, we have a full team and some hungry players on the outside who want a chance.
â€Àá´Ú we continue to have problems with discipline, I ³¦²¹²Ô’t see management being all that patient. It has to be made clear moving forward that (penalties) ³¦²¹²Ô’t be allowed to be a determining ´Ú²¹³¦³Ù´Ç°ù.â€
The Rockets (25-15-3-0) and Royals (22-17-4-0) will meet again tonight in Victoria.
Âé¶¹AV will finish out its three-road trip in Everett on Monday with a matinee against the Silvertips.