Gone From Kelowna, But Not Forgotten...

Last year at this time the city of Kelowna was abuzz with hopes for a lengthy playoff run. The trade deadlines deals orchestrated by Bruce Hamilton were beginning to show signs of bearing fruit. There was a veteran presence in the Rockets dressing room, offensive firepower among the forwards, and a hint that the group was elevating its collective game.

Of course, WHL fans remember that exciting evening in early May when the Rockets won an overtime thriller over the Calgary Hitmen at Prospera Place, claiming a league championship on home ice.

Since then, a few of the stars have moved on. Here's a look at a handful of the players who contributed immensely to last season's success. Indeed, through Feb. 3, they've all been busy during the 2009-2010 season with there respective teams.

Tyler Myers
Team: Buffalo Sabres
League: NHL
Games: 55

Goals: 7 Assists: 24 PIM: 18

Jamie Benn
Team: Dallas Stars
League: NHL
Games: 56

Goals: 11 Assists: 14 PIM: 32

Mikael Backlund
Team: Calgary Flames
League: NHL
Games: 4

Goals: 1 Assists: 1 PIM: 2

Team: Abbottsford Heat
League: AHL
Games: 47

Goals: 10 Assists: 12 PIM: 26

Colin Long
Team: San Antonio Rampage
League: AHL
Games: 29

Goals: 2 Assists: 2 PIM: 10

Cody Almond

Team: Houston Aeros

League: AHL

Games: 31

Goals: 4 Assists: 8 PIM: 43

Ian Duval
Team: University of Manitoba
League: CIS
Games: 22

Goals: 4 Assists: 14 PIM: 10

Tysen Dowzak
Team: Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
League: CHL
Games: 16

Goals: 0 Assists: 2 PIM: 22

Team Charlotte Checkers
League: ECHL
Games: 15

Goals: 0 Assists: 2 PIM: 11

Ryley Grantham
Team: Abbottsford Heat
League: AHL
Games: 49

Goals: 1 Assists: 3 PIM: 115