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Nurturing rookie forwardѻýs size into big asset

Rocketsѻý 6-foot-5 forward Wil Kushniryk has the potential to be a hindrance for opposing goaltenders
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Yale Academy product and Chilliwack native Wil Kushniryk is in his rookie season with the WHLѻýs Kelowna Rockets. -Image: Marissa Baecker/Shoot the Breeze

At 6-foot-5, 205 pounds Wil Kushniryk has ample physical stature to make an impact in the .

Given time and experience, the Kelowna Rockets hope the 17-year-old rookie from Chilliwack will grow into a troublesome power forward for opposing defenders and netminders.

ѻýWe felt like Wil was a player who had a lot of potential, strictly based on the fact that he was a big guy who could skate relatively well,ѻý said Rocketsѻý assistant coach Travis Crickard. ѻýWeѻýre not discounting his other abilities, heѻýs pretty cerebral and he asks good questions.

ѻýBut heѻýs a guy moving forward weѻýd like to see use his size to his advantage, be physical, maybe in front of the net on the power play, forcing goalies to look over or around him, just using his size down low,ѻý Crickard continued. ѻýYou should see him become some form of a power forward for us.ѻý

The Rocketsѻý first real exposure to Kushniryk was at the teamѻýs 2015 rookie camp. As a walk-on, he impressed enough at the clubѻýs ensuing main camp to be listed by the Rockets and has since steadily worked his way up the ladder.

ѻýI came out to camp and wasnѻýt really expecting anything, I was just playing to get the experience,ѻý said Kushniryk, who had two assists in his first eight games with Kelowna this season. ѻýI scored a few goals and I guess they liked what they saw and signed me. They let me know if I kept working and improving Iѻýd have a chance to make the team one day and now here I am. Itѻýs a dream come true to be here.ѻý

Kushniryk spent the previous two seasons honing his skills at Yale Academy in Abbotsford before making the big step up to major junior this September. And while the learning curve has been predictably steep, Kurshniryk is doing his best to absorb and enjoy every moment of the experience.

ѻýThings happen fast (in the WHL), Iѻýve never played at this speed so Iѻým trying to learn and adjust to that the best I can. Itѻýs a matter of getting the experience, gaining some confidence, and keep working hard for more ice time. The coaches have been great, helping me along and working on the things I need to get better.ѻý

ѻýKelownaѻýs a great place to be for me, thereѻýs no organization Iѻýd rather be with.ѻý

Kushniryk and the Rockets open a four-game homestand this weekend with a doubleheader against the Portland Winterhawks.

Game time both Friday and Saturday at Propsera Place is 7:05 pm.

To report a typo, email: edit@kelownacapnews.com.

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