iN NUMBERS: WHL season off to a heated start

Here we go again, the Western Hockey League season has begun.

Players are back on the ice to settle the Western Conference rivalry in the Okanagan between Kelowna Rockets and Penticton Vees, and, of course, don’t forget the Kamloops Blazers.

It’s too early to care about the standings yet, but here are some figures to know heading into the season:

• 23: Teams are playing in the WHL this year.
• 68: Games are going to be played by each team in the regular season.
• 782: League games are available to stream for free on YouTube this season.
• 80: Per cent of WHL regular season games are scheduled for weekends or holidays.
• 4,004: People came out to watch the Kelowna Rockets lose by one goal to the Vancouver Giants last weekend at the Langley Events Centre.
• 4,065: People came out to watch the Kamloops Blazers lose to the Victoria Royals last weekend at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops.
• 5: That’s how many the Penticton Vees scored in their win against the Prince George Cougars last Saturday. Just ignore the Vees’ loss against the Cougars the night before.
• 10: Rookies are playing for the Kelowna Rockets this year.
• 8: Players were drafted by the Penticton Vees this year.
• 14: Million dollars. That’s how much former Kelowna Rocket Leon Draisaitl is going to make this year in the NHL.
• 2: Dollars. That’s how much cheaper it is to see the Penticton Vees play against the Kelowna Rockets at the South Okanagan Events Centre compared to Prospera Place.