The Kelowna Rockets open up training camp Wednesday

Photo: Marissa Baecker/Kelowna Rockets

It's almost business as usual for the Kelowna Rockets as they prepare for the start of another training camp.

The normal rookie camp has been scrapped due to COVID-19 restrictions, and main camp numbers are a little lower than most years.

In all, the club has invited 38 players to camp, five goaltenders, 13 defencemen and 20 forwards.

Only players listed or signed by the Rockets have been invited to camp.

Among those attending camp, 22 have previously played with the Rockets. Twenty suited up during the shortened 2020-2021 season, while forward Pavel Novak played the previous season and goaltender Cole Tisdale has been called up on a couple of occasions over the past few seasons.

The The roster also includes four overage players, goaltender Cole Schwebius, defencemen Tyson Feist and Jake Lee plus forward Mark Liwiski, meaning one move will have to be made before the start of the season to get down to the league maximum of three.

The roster breakdown includes four 19 year old, eleven 18 year old, nine 17 year olds and ten 16 year olds.

Players will take their physicals Tuesday before hitting the ice Wednesday.

Due to COVID restrictions, training camp will be closed to spectators.

The Rockets will open up the pre season in Vancouver Sept. 15. Their first home pre season game is Friday, Sept. 17.