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Chartier, Thurkauf back in the lineup Friday

At least two Rockets who were at world juniors will play against Silvertips
Kootenay Ice v Kelowna Rockets
Rourke Chartier will re-join the Kelowna Rockets Friday after playing for Canada at the world junior hockey championship.

Rourke Chartier will be back on the ice with his Kelowna Rockets teammates on Friday night at Prospera Place.

The 19-year-old centre just wished he had some shiny hardware to share with them.

Chartier returned home this week from the IIHF World Junior Championship in Finland  where Team Canada finished a disappointing sixth.

"It was a huge honour to throw that jersey on, with the whole country behind you, it sure would have been special to win," said Chartier, who had two assists in the tournament. "There was obviously a lot of pressure on us to win and not to do it, was disappointing in that sense.

"It hurts now, but I'll be able to look back at it and be proud I was part of it," he added. "It was a lot of fun being part of that group, and a good experience."

Chartier and fellow forward Calvin Thurkauf (Team Switzerland) will both return to the Rockets' lineup tonight as the Everett Silvertips pay a visit to Prospera Place. Face off is 7:05 p.m.

The status of Tomas Soustal, who played for the Czech Republic in Helsinki, was uncertain as of Thursday.

As for being back with the defending WHL champs, Chartier looks forward to helping his team make another meaningful run in the spring of 2016.

"We've got a good chance to win here, so it's exciting to come back for the stretch run," he said. "Things have been going well for the team, so hopefully we can take another run at it."

Two Rockets to Top Prospects Game…

Rockets centre Dillon Dube and defenceman Lucas Johansen are among 40 players who have been named to take part in the 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Vancouver on Thursday, Jan. 28.

Both Dube and Johansen will suit up for Team Cherry in annual showcase of the CHL's top draft-eligible players.