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Poole looking to cap junior career in style

Jake Poole heads into his senior year with the Kelowna Rockets

After posting strong offensive numbers and battling back from having his appendix out in 2021-2022, McAuley’s Jake Poole of the Kelowna Rockets is looking forward to his fourth and final junior season.

“I’m really excited for this season,” the son of Robin and Dana Poole said. “One last try to get a contract somewhere. One last kick at the can. I think we’ll have a pretty good team. Everyone is a year older. We had a pretty good year last year, but I think we could take a bigger step this year. We have the right pieces and right group to make that jump.”

As the Rockets opened camp this week, Poole was looking to build upon last season and secure one of the three coveted 20-year-old spots each Western Hockey League team has available. Kelowna head coach Kris Mallette said the restriction on how many 20-year-olds means “there’s times you have to let go of some really good people.” He emphasized the Rockets have appreciated Poole on and off the ice.

“He’s very well liked by his teammates,” Mallette said. “He is a real good person. I have a lot of time for Jake Poole. His work ethic and everything he has contributed over the years has been great for us. I just like him as a kid.”

The head coach said the forward’s strengths are his work ethic and his tenacity without the puck. Once Poole has it, Mallette said, “He controls the puck very well. He has good body position with it. … He is slippery. At times, it looks like he’s in trouble and he’s able to elude.”

2021-2022

Last season Poole, a 6-foot-2, 197-pound forward, had career highs with 14 goals and 32 points in 48 games. Those numbers came in spite of him missing more than a month due to appendix surgery. Speaking about Poole’s successful season, Mallette pointed to the forward’s work ethic, hockey IQ, and the development of his skating skills.

“Last summer he put the time in to really work on that. It’s shown,” the head coach said. “It’s unfortunate he got hurt. He was on fire.”

When asked about his success last winter, Poole said:

“Another year older in the league. More seasons under my belt. Being more comfortable around the bigger group. Being an older guy, getting an opportunity to play a bit more.”

Poole’s abilities were on full display in a January contest against the Victoria Royals in which he recorded a career-high five points. He tallied a goal and four assists. At that point, Poole had six assists and six goals over a six-game stretch.

“Just that day it seemed like everything went in that my teammates and I touched,” he said. “It was nice to see and to get some confidence moving forward from that night too.”

A bit later in the season Poole missed more than a month due to appendix surgery. It was certainly a challenging time.

“I was really just sitting around and lying in bed. I couldn’t move for the first little while then I started going for walks and doing bike rides,” he said. “It was pretty tough. Tough missing with playing so well, then getting injured and watching your teammates play for a full month when you want to be out there.”

Camaraderie

In 2020-2021, the B.C. teams in the WHL played a shortened season. As well, they were under restrictions that kept the players separated away from the rink. Poole appreciated a return to something closer to normal last winter.

“Just getting back to a regular season – trips and stuff. Talking with the boys and getting to know them even more. Just hanging out with them, playing cards and doing whatever on the bus. That was always a blast for me.”

He believes forming those bonds help teams succeed on the ice.

“All the best teams usually have the closest guys,” Poole said. “It’s just so good to meet new guys and become close friends with guys you never thought you’d become friends with.”

He keeps in touch with former teammates who he said are now lifelong friends. Poole made some strong friendships during his time playing for the AAA Yellowhead Chiefs organization. It was one of the many things he appreciated about the program.

“The coaching I had throughout the years I had there and the development that I had,” he said. “I still have a bunch of great buddies there that I keep in touch with. I think they are a big part of where I am today. Coaches, teammates, parents – everyone is so supportive. They all want to see everyone succeed.”

Family

The support Poole receives from his family has long had an impact on his success.

“It’s been huge,” he said. “Not only my mom and dad, extended family too. Grandparents, aunties, uncles. They are supportive no matter what. Whatever happens, they are always by my side. They’d do anything to help me succeed.”

Poole also appreciates the support of his sister and brother. He recalls competing two-on-one against his younger siblings on outdoor rinks. His sister Darbi, who is also a baseball standout, will study and play hockey at Aquinas College in Michigan. Poole said, “she gets to keep playing hockey so that’s awesome.” Their brother, Rory, suited up for the U15 AAA Yellowhead Chiefs last winter.

This summer Poole stayed in Kelowna to work at a golf course and work on his game. He has focused on his skating but also on his shot, passing and all-around game.

“Just trying to get my game to the next level,” Poole said.

 

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