This is posted on the Rockets website:
Swetlikoff adjusting to life as a Rocket
January 2, 2019
To say that Alex Swetlikoff’s life has been busy is a bit of an understatement, the 17-year-old Kelowna product has had his foot on the gas pedal since the start of December.
Swetlikoff’s Western Hockey League rights were dealt to his hometown Kelowna Rockets on December 6th. Days later he suited up for Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge in Bonnyville, Alberta from December 9th through the 16th. He helped Canada West capture the bronze medal.
On December 18th the 6’3, 182-pound centre signed a standard Western Hockey League (WHL) Player Agreement with Kelowna. Swetlikoff says that joining the Rockets will benefit his development in the long run.
“I needed better development,” said Swetlikoff. “It’s a lot faster in the WHL and more competitive with better players. Kelowna is going to help me develop and get me to the next level.”
The NHL’s Central Scouting Service has listed Swetlikoff as a C prospect on their Players to Watch List, meaning he is projected to be drafted in the fourth round or later at the NHL’s upcoming draft this June in Vancouver.
He hit the ice with his new teammates for the first time on boxing day and the following day before making his debut against the Kamloops Blazers on the road December 28th. He has been skating alongside Leif Mattson and Nolan Foote.
“It was a little tough the first day, eye-opening a bit. It’s getting easier as each day goes by though,” said Swetlikoff about his first few days as a Rocket.
Swetlikoff was held pointless in his first two games, but was right in the mix when things were heating up between the Blazers and the Rockets. He was in front of the net screening the Blazers goaltender as the Rockets tied the game up on Saturday night at Prospera Place. That’s the exact style of play that he said he would bring to the team.
“I’m a big forward, I like to use my size and speed to go to the net.”
You can see Swetlikoff and the Rockets play this Friday, January 4th, when they host the Prince George Cougars at Prospera Place. Tickets are on sale at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250762-5050.
OMG I keep thinking about the comments Alex made. Young man maybe think before you open your mouth. The team you left or should I say jumped ship were your brothers for a year and a half. Mark Ferrer is said to be one of the best coaches in the BCHL, if you would have gotten your head out of the clouds you would have learnt something from this man. Alex I know you are only 17, but you know what the Vipers will do better without you.
ReplyDeleteSays 17 I'd like to you my size and speed and go to the net. Where was that when he played in Vernon? Good luck with that!
ReplyDeleteIn Vernon he teased us with the odd flash of good play but certainly was not a consistent threat. No points in 3 games so far with Kelowna is no surprise. He will be a 3rd or 4th liner for the rest of this year IF he manages to stay in the lineup. Pretty hard to develop in that role. With the Memorial Cup next year the Rockets will load up with experienced players. Where will Alex fit in? I think he would have been better to stay with Vernon for the rest of the year, play lots of minutes and improve his game here. Too many young players rush, or are rushed, to a higher level prematurely. I hope this is not the case with Alex but we will wait and see. Good luck and all the best.
ReplyDeleteAlex comments were I am big and fast, last three games I watched he was 7-8 strides behind the entire play and gets knocked around easily. Sad to see younger players pushed to a caliber they can't handle.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Alex on the fourth line.
Full time Viper Fan.