Collin Bowman: Kelowna Rockets

The Kelowna Rockets most recent graduating class is impressive, testimony to the organization's ability to develop elite talent. What this also confirms is the Rockets commitment to provide opportunities for up-and-comers to sports their skill set. Case in point...U.S.-born defenceman Collin Bowman.

Bowman played through a painful shoulder injury during the Rockets' successful playoff run to the 2009 Memorial Cup. He is a determined rearguard, effectively the Rockets #2 defenceman this season behind Colorado Avalanche 3rd round draft pick, Tyson Barrie .

We spoke with Bowman, who is the younger brother of Carolina Hurricanes' prospect Drayson Bowman, prior to the Rockets tilt at Prospera Place against the visting Kamloops Blazers. We spoke about his pre-season injury, his free agent tryout with the Ottawa Senators, and expectations in Kelowna this season.

Kamloops Blazers Feature...

With the opening faceoff less than a hour away at Prospera Place in Kelowna, we spoke with assistant coach Scott Ferguson prior to the Kamloops Blazers' tilt against the Kelowna Rockets. Last season, the Rockets won 14 consecutive games against Kamloops including a four-game sweep in the first round of the playoffs. The streak ended on Friday, September 25 at the Interior Savings Centre in Kamloops where the Blazers handed the Rockets a 4-1 pasting.

Ferguson played 218 NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and Minnestota Wild during a 14-year professsional career that included a stint in Europe. In Kamloops, where he played junior hockey, he is now charged in part with developing the blueline brigade. He spoke about high expectations this season, the goaltending battle between Justin Leclerc and Jon Groenheyde, the depth on defence, and the significance of the win over Kelowna.