Rockets select son of former captain, McMillen

With the 191st overall pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft, the Kelowna Rockets selected forward Turner McMillen from Carievale, Sask. The Rockets’ organization is in Turner’s blood, as his father Dave McMillen was captain of the Tacoma Rockets in the 1991-92 WHL season. Dave played for Tacoma from 1991 through the 1992-93 season, appearing in 118 games and producing seven goals, 12 assists, 19 points and 574 penalty minutes.

Dave says this is an exciting time for Turner and himself.

“It’s truly an honour. Bruce treated me so awesome back in the days when I played in Tacoma. Having my son drafted to the WHL is great, but to have him drafted by the organization I played two seasons for is something special,” said Dave. “I’m a proud Dad today.

“I know the Rockets’ organization is all about work ethic, and the hard work is just beginning for Turner.”

The 15-year-old, who stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 134 pounds, played for the Estevan Bruins bantam AA team this past season, posting 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points in 31 games.

That was good enough to get him selected in the ninth round by the Rockets at the WHL Bantam Draft in Red Deer on Thursday.

McMillen was among 11 prospects drafted by Kelowna this year and will now look ahead to the Rockets’ rookie camp in August.