was under no illusions he鈥檇 be starting his pro hockey career this season.
That made for a much softer landing when the 19-year-old forward was returned to the this week by the NHL鈥檚 Calgary Flames.
鈥淚t was the right decision, obviously I would have liked to stay there a little longer, but I knew I was going to come back to 琉璃神社,鈥� Dube said Wednesday at Prospera Place. 鈥淏ut I think it鈥檚 the right time to come back, I didn鈥檛 want be away from everybody too long.
鈥淚t鈥檚 great, nice to be coming back to a good team, hopefully I can create a little more energy, a little more offense for them and hopefully make a big run for it this year.鈥�
For Dube, a second-round draft pick of the Flames in 2016, it was his second camp with the NHL club. The Cochrane, AB native earned plenty of positive reviews for his play and is forecast to be a key player in the organization for years to come.
But for now, Dube is firmly focused on his goals for the 2017-18 season鈥攈elping the Rockets win.
鈥淔or me this year, it鈥檚 all team goals,鈥� said Dube, who was appointed one of the Rockets鈥� three alternate captains this season. 鈥淚t鈥檚 my last kick at the can and I want to win. Obviously, we鈥檝e had a great start so far, and I haven鈥檛 been able to watch them or been around much at camp. I鈥檝e talked to lots of guys and we鈥檙e looking really good right now.鈥�
In an injury-abbreviated 2016-17 WHL season shortened to just 40 games, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward still found a way to pile up 55 points.
, for one, is excited to see what stronger, savvier Dube will bring to the club this season, both on and off the ice.
鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting any time you add a player of Dillon鈥檚 calibre,鈥� said Smith. 鈥淗e鈥檚 going to be a key offensive player for us, and he鈥檚 made large improvements in his all-around game.
鈥淒illon鈥檚 a great character guy, he brings energy to the rink, he has fun on the ice and has a real positive vibe,鈥� Smith added. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e not only adding an elite player but a quality person.鈥�
In addition to be committed to helping the Rockets win in 2017-18, Dube has one specific personal goal in mind鈥攎aking the Canadian junior team鈥檚 roster for the second year in a row.
鈥淚t鈥檚 nice being a returner but there鈥檚 so many good kids in Canada that can easily take your spot,鈥� said Dube,鈥� so I gotta be in there and take it as a trial like I did last year and do whatever I can to make the team.鈥�
Dube will make his season debut with the Rockets (2-0-0-) Friday at home to the Everett Silvertips. Face off at Prospera Place is 7:05 p.m.
whenderson@kelownacapnews.com
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