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Small details sink Rockies in season opener
By Stephanie Stevens
It was a case of Rockets rocking Rockies.
The Columbia Valley’s Junior A team opened up the 2025/26 season at home in the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena against the Golden Rockets, but the crowd anticipated win didn’t materialize despite the home ice advantage.
The Rockets started off the tally early in the first and didn’t let up, sending 38 shots at netminder Ryan Bain.
“It was a tough weekend,” said head coach Tayler Sincennes. “I think our group learned a couple of rough lessons about playing in our league which a good thing going forward. We let the small details of the game get away from us on both nights but we have the opportunity to rectify them as the season goes on.”
The Rockies rallied back in the third, but despite the efforts of Daniel Betcher (assists by Ethan Cerone and Johnny Lozeman) and Chance Cole (Lozeman and Cerone) the game ended 5-2.
The next night in Creston against the Thunder Cats saw a strong start with the Rockies ending the first period up three nothing. Karson Schick (Carter Velker and Peter Godley) opened up the scoring, followed by Julien Galenza (unassisted) and Carter Hensch (Lozeman).
Netminder Carter Bergstrom stopped 30 of 34 shots on goal but the ‘Cats came back hard in the second and third periods and the game ended 4-3 for Creston.
Newly minted captain Lozeman echoed Sincennes but is confident the team will come together quickly.
“There’s no denying that it was a tough weekend,” said Lozeman. “Everyone on our team wanted and expected a different outcome in both games but sometimes that’s just the way it goes. There’s definitely a lot of talent out there on the ice, we just need to find a way to gel together a little better and play more as a team. But overall I think the future is bright for our group for the 2025-26 season.”
The next game is away in Kimberley tonight, Friday, Sept. 26 and the boys will be home in The Eddie with the Creston Valley Thunder Cats Saturday Sept. 27. Puck drop is 7 p.m. and the annual general meeting for the club will be held after the game in the mezzanine.
Lead image: Rockies goaltender Ryan Bain makes one of the 33 saves he made against Golden in their KIJHL season home opener. Stephanie Stevens photos
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