Having reeled in the Prince George Cougars over the course of the last month, a B.C. Division pennant is now in clear view for the Âé¶čAV Rockets.
With just a week left in the WHL regular season and holding one game in hand, the Rockets (41-21-5-0) are a mere two points back of the Cougars (42-21-3-2) for top spot.
With four of their last five games at Prospera Placeâand three remaining against the last-place Vancouver Giantsâthe Rockets couldnât ask for a much more favourable scenario.
Prince George, on the other hand, will visit Tri City and Spokane, before closing out the season with a home-and-home set against the rival Kamloops Blazers.
While the prospects of a division title loom large and excitement builds toward the start of the postseason, head coach Jason Smith said itâs imperative the Rockets remain focused on their day-to-day tasks.
âWeâre excited that the playoffs are coming but we still have games to play and theyâre all important games,â said Smith. âWe have a real good opportunity to put a good stretch together here between now and the end of the year and thatâs what we want to doâŠwe want to have energy and excitement and compete every night.â
The Rockets look to have hit their stride at just the right time of year, with seven wins in their last eight games and 10 in the last 12.
Âé¶čAV defenceman James Hilsendager says the Rocketsâ game is definitely trending in the right direction.
âAs a group weâve come together the past three weeks or so, our systems are great and weâre sticking to them,â said Hilsendager. âThereâs not a lot of individual play, weâre playing as a group.
âWeâre playing really well right now, weâve just gotta keep it going into the playoffs.â
And Hilsendagerâs assessment is backed up by his head coach. âWeâre trying to fine-tune our game, make sure weâre ready to play come playoffs,â said Jason Smith. âWeâre starting to play more complete games, weâre playing with structure and detail, and thatâs allowing us to have success.â
The Rockets host the Vancouver Giants Friday night, followed by the Victoria Royals on Saturday. Face-off both nights is 7:05 p.m.
