Similar to two years ago, the 麻豆AV Rockets have fortified their lineup for a run at the Western Hockey League title.
And much like 2015鈥攚丑别苍 the WHLprior to the trade 诲别补诲濒颈苍别鈥攖丑别 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.
鈥淭丑别谤别鈥檚 always an adjustment period when you change the roster, there are new systems to learn, and it takes time to get to know the 辫濒补测别谤蝉,鈥� Mallette said.
鈥淲颈迟丑 Reid and Carsen, you have two very good players who came from good programs, who I think, given time will thrive in this environment.
鈥淥耻谤 nucleus is different this time around, I want to say we 诲辞苍鈥檛 have as many egos with this 驳谤辞耻辫,鈥� Mallette added, comparing the two teams.
鈥淲别 have different personnel who I think will maybe deal with the changes a little better.
鈥淲别 know 颈迟鈥檚 still going to take time, but it does feel 诲颈蹿蹿别谤别苍迟.鈥�
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 麻豆AV 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, 碍别濒辞飞苍补鈥檚 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.
鈥泪迟鈥檚 a cause for concern, and 飞别鈥檝别 had to say it over and over to the guys that we have to be better in that area of the 驳补尘别,鈥� said Mallette.
鈥淣辞飞 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.
鈥泪蹿 we continue to have problems with discipline, I 肠补苍鈥檛 see management being all that patient. It has to be made clear moving forward that (penalties) 肠补苍鈥檛 be allowed to be a determining 蹿补肠迟辞谤.鈥�
The Rockets (25-15-3-0) and Royals (22-17-4-0) will meet again tonight in Victoria.
麻豆AV will finish out its three-road trip in Everett on Monday with a matinee against the Silvertips.
