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Reflecting back on how a veteran Kelowna Rockets hockey team defeated his team this week, Spokane Chiefs assistant captain Adam Hobson made an astute observation.

Spokane was beaten 4-1 on Wednesday by a Rockets team with a half-dozen National Hockey League picks on its roster, including a pair of Western Hockey League superstars in Justin Keller and Blake Comeau. Kelowna played the game with a quiet confidence, which is well-deserved.

After all, Keller had the winning goal for Kelowna as it captured the 2004 Memorial Cup, and many of his teammates from that run are still on the roster. Comeau was a standout for Team Canada in its recent gold medal win at the 2006 World Junior Championships.

It is a team that commands respect – both for its past achievements and its ongoing success. Still, there has to be a limit if you’re an opponent.

“I almost felt we gave them a little too much respect,” said Hobson.

One key factor in the matchup was that Kelowna’s hard-hitting style took its toll, and not all of the Chiefs responded in kind.

“I think it’s a real gut-check for some of us,” fellow assistant captain Chris Bruton added. “I think some of the guys have to step up and get a little tougher out there. It’s definitely something that’s going to change in our locker room, and some of us older guys are going to hold guys accountable.”

Those words are music to the ears of Chiefs coach Bill Peters, who said he is trying to “cultivate a culture of winning” with a franchise which has been down on its luck.

“We’re in the process of trying to create leaders,” said Peters. “Leaders lead in the locker room, on the ice, and they hold people accountable.”

It’s a process that needs to occur on a daily basis, as the grind of the WHL schedule gradually separates the top teams from the rest of the pack.

“I think we’ve got to learn how to compete every night,” said Bruton. “I think we’ve got to step into every game like it’s a playoff game with the feeling of playing tougher – making hits, doing the little things that account for the big thing, and that’s winning.”

It’s clear that if the Chiefs want to qualify for the WHL playoffs, they will need to step up their play in all aspects.

“The league has elevated, the level of play has elevated, the commitment level to being a gritty hockey player by everyone in the league goes up as the calendar clicks off every month – you see that,” said Peters. “You’ve got to make sure your guys are ready, willing, and able to compete at that level.”

General managers can only do so much in acquiring talent, and coaches are limited in what they can do to get the players ready. Ultimately, locker room leadership is a key element in having it all come together.

The Chiefs have had some challenges in that area.

Captain Jeff Lynch is out and will come back no earlier than March, if at all, from a shoulder injury.

Then Spokane sent away two of its leaders – Chad Klassen and Joe Logan – to Saskatoon at the trade deadline.

Since that time, there has been a new group of leaders emerging with varying styles – players such as Hobson, Bruton, Derek Ryan, and a key player who came from Saskatoon in the six-player deal, veteran defenseman Evan Haw.

“Coming in here, I knew the team needed some leadership, for sure,” said Haw, who was also an assistant captain with the Blades. “I’ve always been the type of guy that likes to lead. I just came in here working hard, trying to get these guys going, and they wound up giving me an ‘A.’ “

He notes that Saskatoon is one of the most talented teams in the league, but their coach has said recently that the Blades lack heart.

Haw agrees with that assessment and notes, “The one thing this team has is heart.”

There is no greater example of that than Ryan, who has led by example for nearly two seasons.

There is usually at least one play per game where he literally lays out on the ice to get to a puck or outskates the defense for a wrap-around opportunity.

“I’m kind of quiet guy in the locker room,” said Ryan. “So, I just try to go out and work hard and try to give ‘Petey’ an example that if a young guy comes in, he just has to say, ‘Look at Derek and work like Derek.’ That’s the leadership I try and give.”

Ryan said that, even while wearing the “A,” he’s been challenged by Peters to be a more vocal leader in the locker room and step up his game on the ice.

“It’s a big step for me, and it’s a good opportunity as well,” he said.

Another player who has made a big step since the start of the season is Hobson. He’s been an offensive leader, is quick to defend a teammate on the ice, and even keeps things light at practices with a timely gag or a broad smile.

“It’s people looking up to you, people respecting you, and people knowing that you’re a go-to guy and will get the job done,” said Hobson. “I feel I’ve stepped up and become a leader on the team. I feel it’s a big part of my game, and I look forward coming to the rink knowing that.”

Haw and the other captains say they are confident the team has the elements – including leadership – to earn a playoff spot.

Spokane has shown signs of that ability in some recent games, including the first 20 minutes on Wednesday.

“If we play like we did in that first period against Kelowna, we’ll make it,” said Haw. “I guarantee it.”