Rockets youth set to shine

It’s been the underlying story line throughout training camp and the pre-season in Rocketville.

Youth will be served.

And it will be that way when the Kelowna Rockets host Portland Saturday to kick off the 2024-25 regular season.

With several players at NHL training camps plus injuries to veteran defencemen Carter Kowalyk and Landon Cowper, head coach Kris Mallette will have only 18 players available for the season opener, 10 forwards, six defencemen and two goalies.

Eight of the available 16 skaters are 17 and under.

“They had strong camps. I think we were aware of the numbers that we had and all of them earned the right to don the jersey,” said Mallette after practice Thursday.

“They are going to get thrown right into the fire right off the bat, but they also played in the exhibition season as well to kind of cut their teeth. It will be a lot of fun for them and a big eye opener as well.”

One of those youngsters is Kalder Varga, a native of Geneva, Ill, who turned 16 less than three months ago.

He was selected seventh overall by the Rockets in last year’s U.S. entry draft.

“I think it’s going to come,” Varga said when asked if nerves have kicked in yet.

“Once it’s close to the warm ups and close to the opener with the dragon coming down, it will be a little nerve-racking. But I think once you’re in the game and get into the flow it will be settled.”

Varga is one of two Rockets whose father played with the franchise back in the days when they still resided in Tacoma.

John Varga played four seasons, all in Tacoma, while Jacob Henderson’s dad Burt played three seasons, including one in Kelowna.

“He’s definitely been a huge help for me. He’s taught me everything I know. He sacrificed a lot for me and I couldn’t thank him enough.

“And, to wear the same number as my dad, 14, will be awesome.”

Jacob Henderson will also wear his dad’s number, 27.

Varga considers himself a playmaker first and foremost, a fast skater who uses his speed to be first on pucks.

“I can shoot when needed but I guess nine times out of 10 I’ll pass first.”

“Kalder was good,” said Mallette of Varga’s camp.

“He’s an exciting young player that is very offensive-minded, can skate very well and has a great brain, but again he’s a young player.

“Potentially some of those habits he was able to get away with in Chicago last year is something he’s just got to pay attention to.

“Expectation for him is he’s going to earn some ice time with the rest of our group, but he has a great base for sure.”

The Rockets and Winterhawks kick off the new season Saturday night at 6 p.m. at Prospera Place.