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Nurturing rookie forward91Ƶs size into big asset

Rockets91Ƶ 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 WHL91Ƶs 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.

91ƵWe 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,91Ƶ said Rockets91Ƶ assistant coach Travis Crickard. 91ƵWe91Ƶre not discounting his other abilities, he91Ƶs pretty cerebral and he asks good questions.

91ƵBut he91Ƶs a guy moving forward we91Ƶd 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,91Ƶ Crickard continued. 91ƵYou should see him become some form of a power forward for us.91Ƶ

The Rockets91Ƶ first real exposure to Kushniryk was at the team91Ƶs 2015 rookie camp. As a walk-on, he impressed enough at the club91Ƶs ensuing main camp to be listed by the Rockets and has since steadily worked his way up the ladder.

91ƵI came out to camp and wasn91Ƶt really expecting anything, I was just playing to get the experience,91Ƶ said Kushniryk, who had two assists in his first eight games with Kelowna this season. 91ƵI 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 I91Ƶd have a chance to make the team one day and now here I am. It91Ƶs a dream come true to be here.91Ƶ

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.

91ƵThings happen fast (in the WHL), I91Ƶve never played at this speed so I91Ƶm trying to learn and adjust to that the best I can. It91Ƶs 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.91Ƶ

91ƵKelowna91Ƶs a great place to be for me, there91Ƶs no organization I91Ƶd rather be with.91Ƶ

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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