Better late than never; an unexpected return of the 2020/21 WHL season has left hockey players and coaches, celebrating.

When Kelowna Rockets head coach Kris Mallette heard the news on March 2, the first feeling he felt was joy, then relief.

害羞草研究所淛ust joy for the players, (I害羞草研究所檓) excited that the older guys, and our younger guys, are going to have an opportunity to get a few games in 害羞草研究所� just really thankful.害羞草研究所�

In addition, the head coach is thankful the Rockets will be able to stay and play out of their home arena.

Other teams, like the Victoria Royals, Prince George Cougars and Vancouver Giants are not so lucky. With Kamloops and Kelowna as host cities, other teams will have to stay in hotels while battling 24 games over 48 days, starting March 26.

Three to four-game weeks, Mallette said will be, 害羞草研究所渙ne heck of a ride.害羞草研究所�

READ MORE: B.C. WHL teams to hit the ice with Kelowna, Kamloops hub cities

Despite the new strict regulations, which require players to undergo lengthy quarantines and multiple COVID-19 tests before stepping on the ice, Kelowna players have been given the green light to stay with their billet families, and staff, with their families.

Staying in a hotel room in the team害羞草研究所檚 hometown for 48 days would have been difficult, Mallette said.

害羞草研究所淎s much as I love Kelowna, I still have a family. And knowing that I was in the town and unable to see them would be real tough. And just a hotel for two months is really, really draining.害羞草研究所�

He admitted that along with excitement, some players are likely nervous, and for good reason. The only people allowed in to watch the games will be between 40 and 60 NHL scouts from around North America.

Club owner, Bruce Hamilton said the three senior players in their final season with the Rockets, are, 害羞草研究所済oing to have to deliver the mail when they get their opportunity.害羞草研究所�

This year, the Rockets will be a young team. Five 16 year olds and a 15-year-old first-round draft pick, have been added to the bench.

Hamilton said Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 own Alex Swetlikoff, a 19-year-old, 6害羞草研究所�4害羞草研究所� centre will be one to watch.

Due to travel restrictions, the club is still unsure whether Pavel Novak, a star winger from the Czech Republic, will be allowed to return to Canada in time for the season.

However Dillon Hamaliuk, currently in the San Jose Sharks害羞草研究所� camp, and Kaedan Korczak, currently in Las Vegas Golden Nights害羞草研究所� camp, are set to return in time to rejoin the team.

For Hamilton, the announcement brought about mixed emotions. When players hit the ice March 26, for many it will be the first time in almost 12 months.

害羞草研究所淭he kids have been off for a long time, and how fast they害羞草研究所檙e going to have to get up to speed 害羞草研究所� when you started this whole process you thought you might be off for six weeks, and bang it ends up 12 months,害羞草研究所� he said.

That said, he害羞草研究所檚 thrilled to get the skaters back on the ice, and bring the Rockets back into the living rooms of locals. For too long he said, the Rockets have been out of sight and out of mind.

Now, it害羞草研究所檚 a scramble to tie up loose ends before the season begins; custom sticks and clothing are being manufactured in a hurry.

Players from around B.C. will start to arrive in Kelowna on March 13, and will finish in Kelowna on May 12.

READ MORE: 42 cases of COVID-19 in the Central Okanagan last week

READ MORE: Kelowna athletes, coaches, businesses honoured for achievements during pandemic

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com

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