The future is bright.

   There's an old adage in hockey that says that quite often the best trade you make, is the one that you don't. 

   As we watched players like Morgan Ellis, Brandon Gormley, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Logan Shaw head for new teams with hopes of playoff success, you have to think that the PEI Rocket received some calls inquiring about the availability of their star 19 year old forward, Ben Duffy.

   Duffy, for those who may not know, recently became the franchise's career leading scorer, and is presently in 5th spot in this season's QMJHL scoring race with 59 points in 41 games. On many nights he has been one of the only, if not the only, bright spots on a young Rocket squad looking to find it's way.

   He has proven himself, night in and night out, to be the kind of player that most coaches dream about. A low maintenance type of guy, who just goes out there, plays hard, and produces on a consistent basis. On a young team such as the PEI Rocket, that type of leadership can pay off handsomely as they strive to establish a competitive and winning mindset.

   To be sure there will be some who say the PEI club missed an opportunity to pick up some interesting prospect, either in terms of players already in the league or in terms of high draft picks. It is a fair argument. But not one to which I happen to subscribe. To have a clear view of this, one must take a good look and see what the Rocket now has in hand.

    In goal, the tandem of 18 year old (he'll turn 19 next week) Maxime Lagacé and 17 year old Antoine Bibeau, gives the team a solid presence in the nets. While Lagacé has carried to bulk of the load, Bibeau has shown that he can be relied up should the call come. His win last night in Halifax against MacKinnon, Frk, et al, shows that.

   On the blue line, the club counts players who are developing, and will continue to develop in to fine hockey players. At only 16 years of age, Ryan Graves is showing that not only can he play in the league, but will likely become one of its top d-men. At only 18, Jimmy Oligny is continuing to improve. Dane Phaneuf, whom the Rocket signed for nothing, has proven himself to be a valuable addition. He is only 17 years old. Add to that Michael Abbott, 18, and recent addition Tyrone Sock, also 18, and it's easy to understand why there is justification for optimism in regards to the squad of Rocket rearguards.

   Up front, Josh Currie and Victor Provencher are both 18 and are expected to continue to develop. 16 year old Yan-Pavel Laplante has shown that he will become a force in this league. 17 year old Matthew Bursey, picked up earlier this season in a trade with Shawinigan, is quickly becoming a fan favourite, with his combination of high energy play and skill.

   The Rocket also count on two excellent European players. 18 year old Matej Beran, a 6'5" 210lbs center, is the club's second leading scorer, picking up an impressive 44 points in his first 41 games on North American ice. 18 year old defenceman, Tomas Pavelka, has played well as he continues to adapt to his new surroundings. He is the club's second highest scoring defenceman, behind 20 year old Marc-André Lévesque.

   As of this writing, the PEI Rocket sits in 17th place in the QMJHL, 2 points out of the final playoff spot, with two games in hand. To be sure, the first few months of the season have been trying at times. As with all young teams, putting together a consistent effort over the course of a full 60 minutes has been a challenge. Let's face it, putting together a consistent effort over the course a full 60 minutes is a challenge for most hockey teams. 

   But there have been bright spots. You can point to some positive performances. A come from behind win in OT at the Robert Guertin Arena against the Olympiques comes to mind. As does the recent streak of 4 wins against Maritime Division opponents.You could also point to the fact that this team doesn't quit, a trait that will pay off on the long run.

   Yes, the future is bright in PEI for Gordie Dwyer and his Rocket. Keeping Ben Duffy not only gives them a very real shot at making the playoffs this year, it gives them the opportunity to start next season with one of the best 20 year olds in the league. A 20 year old who will lead what promises to be a team to be reckoned with a solid core of young players who will continue to develop.