Jackson DeSouza, of the Revelstoke Grizzlies,in action with the Kelowna Rockets against the Portland Winterhawks at Prospera Place on February 7, 2020 in Kelowna. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Shoot the Breeze)
The COVID-19 pandemic made Jackson DeSouza’s stint with the Revelstoke Grizzlies shorter than hoped, but the 17-year-old says playing in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League helped him earn a spot on the Kelowna Rockets.
“It was huge. Working with Ryan Parent and the coaches there helped my development and confidence,” says DeSouza. “I can only imagine how much development I would have got during a full season.”