WATCH: These Rockets rookies are a bright light of the future

• Rookies played a big part of Rockets' season
• Looking for rebound wins in games three and four of playoffs

While the Kelowna Rockets are in a playoff battle right now with the Seattle Thunderbirds - having lost the opening two games- it’s safe to say the future looks good.

The performances from first year players Andrew Cristall and Caden Price have been outstanding.

Cristall, who was named the Rockets’ rookie of the year and the BC Division rookie of the year, set a franchise record for goals by a 16-year-old with 28 during his 69-point campaign.

He told Kelowna10 he didn’t expect to have the season he had while racking up the notable mentions.

“I just came in, played my game and was confident out there and then the success came with that,” Cristall said. “It was definitely cool at the end of the season to have that honour.”

Cristall played 14 games last year during the shortened season learning quickly it’s a much different league than midget hockey. He said his first full season has been fun, learning from the veterans and doing it with the other rookies.

“I think this is one of the closest teams I’ve ever been on. It’s always fun coming to the rink and hanging out with the guys and I think that’s made it easy for me coming in learning and adjusting to the league,” Cristall said.

For Caden Price, he finished with 21 points in 47 games and has been turning into a solid piece on the defensive side. He has benefited from playing with some veteran players and would like to build on a solid rookie season.

“I’ve been playing with [Tyson] Feist for most of the year. He’s the captain and been in the league for a while and it’s been good having him show me the ropes,” he said. “I would hope for a bigger role, but I just do what I’m told from the coaches, and play hard in practice, and games.”

Head Coach Kris Mallette had high praise for his rookies as they will be a big part of the team going forward.

“Very seldom that you have two, three sixteen-year-olds in your group that play 40 plus games. Obviously, with Andrew Cristall’s season, we knew he was a special player and Caden Price has really come along on the back end playing some valuable minutes learning a lot,” he said. “Everything’s valuable for these guys as they go. It’s been positive and the future looks bright.”

After two tough games in Seattle where they were outscored 13-3, Mallette said they need to stick to what has made them successful this season.

“We really haven’t established our style of game yet. We haven’t been as aggressive as we’d like to be,” he said. “I think we’ve been chasing the game a lot and obviously discipline has been a huge factor in the series thus far. We need to make sure we got controlled emotion.”

The Rockets will welcome the T-birds to Kelowna for the first home playoff game at Prospera Place since 2018.

Games three and four are Tuesday and Wednesday.