Kelowna Rockets enjoy full circle moment on the ice with fans

Fans of all ages got the chance to skate alongside their local hockey heroes, the Kelowna Rockets, at Prospera Place Sunday.

The first Tim Hortons Family Skate since the pandemic attracted an excited and enthusiastic crowd. Admission was just a non-perishable donation to the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

Dozens of families filled the rink with the youngest participants having just learned to walk and already laced up. Many kids even got help from players themselves, who held their hands while they glided along the ice.

Other young fans took the opportunity to not only meet their favorite Rockets, but to challenge them to race.

“I’m a goalie, I don’t think I’m too great of a skater. I think most of these kids are probably blowing my doors off,” Talyn Boyko told Kelowna10 with a chuckle. “It’s so special to be able to have that influence on kids and to be able to make their day.”

Boyko experienced similar events growing up and is now on the other end with kids looking up to him; both figuratively and literally for the six-foot-seven athlete.

Star forward Andrew Cristall was also challenged to race by several young fans, many of whom wanted to show off for one of their favorite players.

“It’s awesome to connect with the fans and meet a bunch of kids,” Cristall said. “We don’t do this too often, so it’s pretty nice to get out here with all the guys and meet everyone.”

He recalled a similar event as a child himself and getting to meet his hometown team, the Vancouver Giants.

“It definitely takes me back a little while,” Cristall said. “A little full circle I guess you could say.”

It’s been a big week for number 29, Logan Peskett, who not only scored his first WHL goal but managed to kick off the Teddy Bear Toss at Prospera Place in the process Friday evening.

“This is the next generation of Rockets fans. So, keeping the building full and all the fans engaged, it’s pretty cool,” he said. Peskett is not sure how he can top the excitement of his first league goal.

The Rockets are getting ready for a three-game road trip to Saskatchewan and Alberta before the holidays. The next home game is Dec. 27 against the Kamloops Blazers.

Remember to catch live play-by-play with Regan Bartel on the home of the Rockets, 104.7 The Lizard, and stay up to date with everything on Rocketfan.