Dunlop makes his mark

A phone call from Darryl Bolden is how Kevin Dunlop finally made the decision to leave home to come to the Columbia Valley to play for the Rockies.

Living in Calgary Kevin was semi-recruited by his friend of many years to come out and give the Rockies a hand.

“He told me about the Rockies’ program and I liked what I heard so I decided to come out here,” Kevin said.

He had played with Darryl before and has been enjoying this chance to play with his friend again.

Darryl has also helped Kevin adjust to his new surroundings by “giving me some tips and pointers about the league and area.”

Kevin remembered how he started at the age of 5 with his father when his father “strapped the skates on my legs and I just played and never looked back.”

He has been lucky enough to have supportive parents who were very happy that he is getting the chance to play in Invermere.

“They love it. They wanted me out of the house. They wanted me doing something really productive so here I am. They love me at home but they could use a break from me as well,” Kevin said with a grin.

Both of his parents try to come out to watch him play as much as they can. The best part of coming to the Columbia Valley is all the parts of playing hockey that Kevin loves.

“The people, fans, team and everything dealing with the support we receive. Everyone knows you and I really enjoy that atmosphere,” he said.

Still there are some challenges for the player who is still trying to adjust to his new surroundings.

“It is different just because you grew up with a group of guys playing hockey where things do not change that much. When you come out here there are a whole bunch of new players with different attitudes. I think we are starting to gel and I like it,” Kevin said.

The hardest part for him has been homesickness but as time has gone on he is adjusting and not missing Calgary quite as much.

He is still looking for some work in the area and hopes to find something else to do to pass the time during his days.

As for the coaching staff, Kevin has nothing but positive things to say about how they have been working with the team during a tough start this year.

“The coaching staff is good and I have nothing to complain about. They have taught me a lot since I came here.

“I think they really do their jobs and keep our heads on right after the start we have had this season,” he said.

As times goes on Kevin does have some goals for his future in hockey. He hopes to improve as a hockey player and move on as far as he can with hockey.

“Like any other kid, the NHL is where I would like to play,” and if he made it that far his hometown Calgary Fames would be his dream team.

Kevin also had a message to all the fans who have been supporting the team this year.

“Thanks for coming out and supporting the team and hopefully we will soon get some wins for you guys.”

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