Kelowna Rockets

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. After becoming one of the youngest players to ever debut for the Canucks, will 2025-2026 WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player award-winner Braeden Cootes stick with the NHL squad full-time this season? Parker Alcos Six-foot-4, 186-pound defenceman Parker Alcos is coming off a career-best season and unforgettable experience at the 2026 Memorial Cup. Alcos was scooped up by the Kelowna Rockets in a blockbuster trade at the 2026 WHL Trade Deadline in anticipation of hosting the CHL's top tournament. The 20-year-old totalled 30 points (5G-25A) in 63 games with the Rockets and Edmonton Oil Kings, with whom he spent three previous seasons. The Port Moody, B.C. product tacked on four assists in nine playoff matches a

Kelowna, B.C., – The Kelowna Rockets announced today that Curtis Hamilton has been named General Manager, becoming just the second General Manager in franchise history. Bruce Hamilton, who has served as the Rockets' General Manager since the franchise began in Tacoma, Washington, in 1991, will remain President and Governor of the team. Hamilton has won four WHL Championships, one Memorial Cup, and has been named WHL Executive of the Year on two occasions (1992-93 and 2002-03). “Bruce Hamilton is one of the most accomplished hockey executives in WHL history. The WHL extends its congratulations to Bruce on his 35-year tenure as General Manager of the Rockets,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. "Bruce was the architect of four WHL Championship teams, a Memorial Cup champion and twice named WHL Executive of the Year. We’re grateful Bruce will continue serving as President of the Rockets and WHL Chairman of the Board and we look forward to welcomi

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. Tij Iginla is next up in a long line of prospects looking to break ice with the Mammoth in 2026-27. Sebastian Cossa The 23-year-old puck stopper from Fort McMurray, Alta., is set for a fresh start in Salt Lake City after being dealt to the Mammoth from the Detroit Red Wings during the 2026 NHL Draft. A first-round selection (15th overall) of the Red Wings in the 2021 NHL Draft, Cossa backstopped the Edmonton Oil Kings to the 2022 WHL Championship – capping an excellent WHL career that saw him go 71-16-4-3 with a 2.12 goals-against average, .921 save percentage, and 14 shutouts in 98 career regular season appearances. Originally selected by the Oil Kings in the second round (36th overall) of the 2017 WHL

Over the month of August, the Western Hockey League will be celebrating the WHL Graduates from the 2025-26 season in a 23-part, team-by-team series. Today, we continue with the graduating duo from the Portland Winterhawks. Alex Weiermair (F) Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.WHL Career Stats: 107 GP – 58 G-81 A – 139 pointsWHL U.S. Priority Draft: 2020 – First Round, 16th Overall (Portland Winterhawks)NHL Draft: 2025 – Sixth Round, 186th Overall (Vegas Golden

KELOWNA, BC - The Kelowna Rockets announced today that Curtis Hamilton has been named General Manager, becoming just the second General Manager in fra... - WHL Kelowna Rockets

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. Today, we check in on the 2025 WHL Playoff MVP and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Aiden Foster Stalwart Prince George Cougars pivot Aiden Foster enjoyed his most productive season yet with the Cats, posting 35 points (14G-21A) in 65 contests. His 113 penalty minutes led the team, while ranking third in faceoff wins with 248 (48.2%). The 6-foot-2, 183-pound centre added another six points (2G-4A) in 10 playoff games. Foster, 19, was selected with the 127th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Over three seasons in Prince George, the Lloydminster, Alta. product has garnered 62 points (28G-34A) and 373 PIMs in 199 games. Gabriel Szturc Former Kelowna Rockets captain Gabriel

Montreal Canadiens news and notes Hayden Paupanekis is looking forward to the challenge of facing older, more experienced players in the NCAA. [Montreal Gazette] The Canadiens and San Jose Sharks are projected to be the top Stanley Cup contenders five years from now. [The Athletic] Projecting a lineup with the Laval Rocket’s overhauled roster. [Journal de Montreal] The PWHL’s championship trophy, the Walter Cup, has gone missing on its journey to Alberta for Montreal Victoire forward Dara Greig’s day with it. [

Over the month of August, the Western Hockey League will be celebrating the WHL Graduates from the 2025-26 season in a 23-part, team-by-team series. Today, we continue with the graduating trio from the Medicine Hat Tigers. Andrew Basha (F) Hometown: Calgary, Alta.WHL Career Stats: 233 GP – 82 G-152 A – 234 pointsWHL Draft: 2020 – Fifth Round, 105th Overall (Medicine Hat Tigers)NHL Draft: 2024 – Second Round, 41st Overall (Calgary Flames)

Date: 08/21/2026 Player: Angelo Zol (G) From: West Kelowna Warriors To: Augustana Univ. Source: You need a free account to view Transfer URL Sign In/Up

Over the month of August, the Western Hockey League will be celebrating the WHL Graduates from the 2025-26 season in a 23-part, team-by-team series. Today, we continue with the Lethbridge Hurricanes' graduating class. Matteo Fabrizi (D) Hometown: St. Albert, Alta.WHL Career Stats: 282 GP – 17 G-47 A – 64 pointsWHL Draft: 2020 – Second Round, 31st Overall (Red Deer Rebels) After a five-year WHL career Matteo Fabrizi is on to future endeavours! Originally selected 31st overall by the R

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. These prospects are cruisin' for a Blues-in. Adam Jecho A hand injury marred a significant chunk of Adam Jecho's season and forced him to withdraw from the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, but the 6-foot-5, 201-pound forward still put up strong minutes on a significantly improved Edmonton Oil Kings squad. The Zlin, Czechia product posted 36 points (10G-26A) in 47 games before adding another four points (1G-3A) in seven playoff matches. Jecho, 20, was named an alternate captain for Edmonton in his third season in the provincial capital. St. Louis selected him with the 95th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft and signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract in March of 2025. Jech

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. The Seattle Kraken are among the NHL's most Dub-heavy clubs and feature two of the WHL's most recent champions. Clarke Caswell Buzzy playmaker Clarke Caswell's first season in the NCAA saw him propel Denver to a national championship, netting 34 points (8G-26A) in the regular season before coming up big with the game-tying goal in the Frozen Four semifinal. He was recognized as the national Rookie of the Month for March/April. The 6-foot, 185-pound forward from Brandon, Man., previously spent parts of four seasons with the Swift Current Broncos, including a run as captain in 2024-25. His final season saw him break out for 84 points (22G-62A) in 65 games. Over his WHL career, the 20-year-old logged 191 p

Over the month of August, the Western Hockey League will be celebrating the WHL Graduates from the 2025-26 season in a 23-part, team-by-team series. Today, we continue with the graduating trio from the Kamloops Blazers Jordan Keller (F) Hometown: Kamloops, B.C.WHL Career Stats: 264 GP – 94 G-108 A – 202 pointsWHL Draft: 2020 – Third Round, 48th Overall (Saskatoon Blades) For Jordan Keller, the phrase 'all roads lead home' couldn't be more true. After a junior hockey career that spanned parts of five seasons across two Clubs, the 21-year-old is

Over the month of August, the Western Hockey League will be celebrating the WHL Graduates from the 2025-26 season in a 23-part, team-by-team series. Today, we continue with the graduating trio from the Kelowna Rockets. Ty Halaburda (F) Hometown: Victoria, B.C. WHL Career Stats: 315 GP – 105 G-140 A – 245 points WHL Draft: 2020 – Second Round, 32nd Overall (Vancouver Giants) Ty Halaburda is graduating from the Western Hockey League as British Columbia's best and brightest. The Victoria, B.C., local got the opportunity to stay in his home province following his second-round selection by the Vancouver Giants in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. Halaburda made his WHL debut on October 2, 2021, against his hometown Victoria Royals and went on to spend more than four seasons with Giants. Since his introduction to the organization in October 2021, Halaburd

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. After a long seven seasons without playoff hockey in San Jose, the Sharks have laid the groundwork to become a Western Conference force in the coming years. Luca Cagnoni Twenty-one-year-old Luca Cagnoni's second professional season saw the 5-foot-9, 181-pound defender take a slight step back in production, but find the tools he needs to make the NHL. Cagnoni put up 43 points (8G-35A) in 67 games, ranking fifth on the San Jose Barracuda in scoring and 10th among all AHL defencemen. Notably, 23 of those points (3G-20A) came on the man advantage. He earned three games in the NHL and looks to carve out a position for himself on special teams for the Sharks. The Burnaby, B.C. product played more than 200 gam

Over the month of August, the Western Hockey League will be celebrating the WHL Graduates from the 2025-26 season in a 23-part, team-by-team series. Today, we continue with the reigning WHL Champions, the Everett Silvertips Nolan Chastko (F) Hometown: Brandon, Man. WHL Career Stats: 131 GP – 16 G-33 A – 49 points WHL Draft: Listed (Prince George Cougars) Nolan Chastko’s Western Hockey League career was defined by his willingness to do whatever his team needed. The Brandon, Man. product signed with the Prince George Cougars as an undrafted player in 2022 before eventually making his way to Everett, Wash. After making a fistful of preseason appearances with the Cougars, Chastko made his WHL debut on September 21, 2024, as a 19-year-old for the Silvertips. He made an immediate impact in Everett, recording 14 points in 63 regular season appearances during the 2024-2

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. The Pittsburgh Penguins created one of the most memorable moments of the 2026 NHL Draft when they selected the superstar Ruck twins from the Medicine Hat Tigers. Harrison Brunicke Six-foot-3, 196-pound defenceman Harrison Brunicke skated into history in 2025-26 when he became the first South African-born skater to make his NHL debut. Brunicke, 20, ended up netting his first NHL goal in nine games with the Pens before getting more ice time with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He had another eight points (1G-7A) in 11 spins at the AHL level. The jersey-swapping continued as Brunicke represented Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and returned to the Kamloops Blazers for a final run

KELOWNA, BC - The Kelowna Rockets announced today the schedule for 2026 Training Camp presented by DKL Financial, which will take place August 26-30 a... - WHL Kelowna Rockets

Miroslav Holinka (F) Hometown: Zlín, CzechiaWHL Career Stats: 106 GP – 56 G-69 A – 125 pointsNHL Draft: 2024 – Fifth Round, 151st Overall (Toronto Maple Leafs)CHL Import Draft: 2024 – First Round, 14th Overall (Edmonton Oil Kings) Originally selected 14th overall by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, Czechia-born forward Miroslav Holinka wasted little time making his mark in North America. His selection by the Oil Kings marked the second time the sharpshooter found

Introduction Coming in at number 22 is Hayden Paupanekis, a hulking 6’5″ centre from the WHL. The Montreal Canadiens have struck a solid balance of adding size and skill with their picks at the NHL draft, and the former was what they had in mind when they traded up to get Paupanekis in the third round in 2025. A prototypical power forward, he spent his 2025-26 season with the Memorial Cup host Kelowna Rockets, his first full season with that club. Marginal improvement was achieved, but going from 0.6 points per game in 2024-25 to 0.64 wasn’t enough to see him make a big jump on our list.

Over the month of August, the Western Hockey League will be celebrating the WHL Graduates from the 2025-26 season in a 23-part, team-by-team series. Today, we begin with the graduating players from the Brandon Wheat Kings. Grayson Burzynski (D) Hometown: Winnipeg, Man. WHL Career Stats: 292 GP – 32G-104A – 136 points WHL Draft: 2020 – Second Round, 44th Overall (Swift Current Broncos) Originally selected 44th overall by the Swift Current Broncos in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft, Grayson Burzynski made his Western Hockey League debut on October 2, 2021, against the Medicine Hat Tigers. The Winnipeg product spent the first four seasons of his WHL career with Swift Current, developing into a steady presence on the Broncos’ blue line. In 233 career games with the Broncos, Burzynski boasted 21 points, 57 assists, and 78 points. He also suited up in 13 career post-sea

KELOWNA, BC - The Kelowna Rockets are pleased to announce that forward Shane Smith has signed an American Hockey League contract with the Henderson Si... - WHL Kelowna Rockets

Date: 08/12/2026 Player: Shane Smith (F) From: Kelowna Rockets To: Henderson Silver Knights Information: 1 year Source: You need a free account to view Transfer URL Sign In/Up

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. The Islanders contingent includes two of the Western Conference's top rookies from 2025-26. Burke Hood A rash of injuries spelled doom for the Vancouver Giants' playoff hopes in 2025-26, but netminder Burke Hood was a bright spot for the young squad. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound puckstopper went 18-18-1-1 with a 3.83 goals-against average and an .892 save percentage, while making 40 or more saves on five occasions. The 19-year-old was drafted with the 170th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Hood has spent two seasons in the WHL, both with the Giants, and owns a career 37-31-7-1 record, a 3.48 GAA, a .901 save percentage and three shutouts. Daylan Kuefler  A full season

The start of NHL training camp is right around the corner, not only bringing the Predators back to Nashville but a handful of prospects as well. Rookie Camp kicks off on Sept. 11, followed by the Prospects Tournament from Sept. 13-14 in North Carolina. Proceeding that is the start of training camp on Sept. 16. Nashville's first preseason game is on Sept. 20 against Tampa Bay at Benchmark International Arena. While a handful of prospects are hoping to crack the Predators roster, many are already set on where they'll be playing this season. The majority of the Predators prospects will be playing in the NCAA, 13 out of 25. Ryker Lee (Michigan State), Jack Ivankovic (Michigan), Miguel Marques (Maine), Jacob Rombach (Minnesota) and Teddy Stiga (Boston College) will all be returning to their college squads from last season, while the eight others are either entering their first college seasons or playing on a different team. Cameron Reid (Kitchener to Michigan), Tommy Bley

Carey Price is eight pounds lighter and has dropped the leg training goaltending demanded. Dave Stubbs reports the Kelowna details that close the comeback door.

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. Today, we'll check on the poor souls who get to rep the infamous 'Preds in the Community' t-shirts. Hiroki Gojsic Six-foot-3, 203-pound winger Hiroki Gojsic was just shy of his third straight 20-goal season with the Kelowna Rockets, but his production was actually up in a season slightly hampered by injury. The Langley, B.C. product notched 41 points (19G-22A) in 55 games with the Rockets, averaging .75 points per game. Gojsic chipped in another goal and two assists as Kelowna reached the second round of the 2026 WHL Playoffs and suited up for three games at the Memorial Cup, where he had one helper. He was selected by the Predators with the 94th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft and

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. Today, we focus on Montreal's up-and-comers, highlighted by the WHL Player of the Year. Jared Davidson The WHL Champion who was initially passed over in the NHL Draft defied the odds to make his NHL debut in 2025-26. The 24-year-old from Edmonton, Alta. put up four shots and a hit in his debut on November 15, 2025, and finished his NHL stint with an assist in 10 appearances. Davidson logged another 25 points (16G-9A), including a team-best five game-winning goals, in 53 games with the AHL's Laval Rocket and earned a one-year, two-way contract with the Habs. The 5-foot-11, 183-pound forward was drafted by Montreal with the 130th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Davidson spent his entire WHL career wit

Edmonton, Alta.- Sixteen-year-old Liam Pue's Hlinka Gretzky Cup mastery was on full display as Canada trounced Sweden 7-4 in group stage action at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Pue, who played 34 games with the Regina Pats in 2025-26 as an underage player, scored his fourth goal and fifth point of the tournament in a win that guaranteed Canada first place in Group A and eliminated Sweden (0-1-2-0) from medal contention. Fresh off a two-goal performance in his home barn, Kaeden Stroeder (Edmonton Oil Kings / Saskatoon, Sask.) was named Player of the Game with a one-goal, two-assist effort. For a third straight game, Canada opened the scoring in the early goings, this time with 2026 Rookie of the Year finalist Brock Cripps (Prince Albert Raiders / Victoria, B.C.) outwaiting a sprawling Swedish defender to rip a shorthanded goal home from the slot. His defensive partner, Boston Tait (Wenatchee Wild / Estevan, Sask.), picked up the secondary assist. Stroeder bagged his

Edmonton, Alta.- Five Western Hockey League skaters, including Edmonton Oil Kings forward Kayden Stroeder, enjoyed a multi-point night as Canada rolled Slovakia 6-1 to improve to 2-0-0-0 at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. 2026 WHL Champion and Defenceman of the Year finalist Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / Calgary, Alta.) was named Canada's Player of the Game with a one-goal, one-assist effort. The opening frame proved to be a much closer affair than Canada's tournament-opener, which saw the Canucks and Switzerland combine for six goals in the first nine minutes. Still, Canada struck first blood as projected top 2027 NHL Draft pick DuPont received a clean pass from Saint John Sea Dogs star Alexis Joseph and beat the Slovakian netminder on a powerplay wraparound. 2025 WHL first-overall pick Maddox Schultz (Regina Pats / Regina, Sask.) picked up a secondary assist on the play. Slovakia briefly tied the game with a point-blank goal from Patrik Rychlik, but Canada re

Moose Jaw, Sask., – Moose Jaw Warriors General Manager Jason Ripplinger has announced that Associate Coach Scott King has been promoted as the organization's new Head Coach. “Scott has been with our organization for a decade, and knows what our goals are on and off the ice. This is an opportunity that he has been working to achieve for a while, and is the right fit for our team moving forward,” said General Manager Jason Ripplinger. “From an organization standpoint, being able to hire from within is a goal of ours. Scott is familiar with how we operate on a day-to-day basis, and understands the development process for our players to reach the next level,” Ripplinger added. From Saskatoon, King originally joined the Warriors in 2015 – 2016 as a skills coach; the following year he was named an assistant coach, and in 2023 – 2024, he took on an expanded role as an Associate Coach. “I am incredibly excited and honoured for this head coaching opportunity. I want to than

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. These Los Angeles Kings prospects are fit for a crown.  Vojtech Cihar Kelowna Rockets standout Vojtech Cihar conquered new lands in 2025-26. After a difficult start that saw him put up eight points (4G-4A) in 27 games for HC Energie Karlovy Vary, the 19-year-old was re-energized by a breakout run at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Cihar netted 12 points (4G-8A) in seven games to help Czechia to silver and earn tournament MVP honours. He went from the Czech national team to the Okanagan, where he erupted for 12 goals (including a hat trick) and 19 assists in 31 regular-season games to close out the campaign and lead the Rockets in postseason scoring with 13 points (6G-7A). While the host Rockets

KELOWNA, BC - The Kelowna Rockets are proud to announce the hiring of 2023-24 CJHL Coach of the Year Mike Reagan as an Assistant Coach.Reagan join... - WHL Kelowna Rockets

Ferguson, 43, has spent the last six years as the Head Coach and GM of the West Kelowna Warriors.

Date: 08/01/2026 Player: Ayden Saran (D) From: RINK HA Kelowna U18 Prep To: Whitecourt Wolverines Source: You need a free account to view Transfer URL Sign In/Up

KELOWNA, BC — The Kelowna Rockets have signed forward Jakub Frolo to a WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Kelowna selected Frolo in the first round, 33rd overall, of the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Frolo, 18, is a 6'2", 194-pound right-shot forward from Vsetin, Czechia. He developed within the Ilves organization in Finland, competing at the U18 and U20 levels before establishing himself as one of the most productive forwards in the U20 SM-sarja in 2025-26. Over 37 regular-season games with Ilves' U20 squad, Frolo posted 10 goals and 30 assists for 40 points, the highest points-per-game average among all draft-eligible skaters in the league with at least 10 games played. He sustained that level of play through the postseason, adding two goals and seven assists for nine points in eight playoff games as Ilves earned a silver medal. Frolo also made one appearance with Ilves' senior Liiga roster and three appearances in the Champions Hockey League, giving him exposure

Ilveksen 18-vuotiaat lupaukset, puolustaja Ossi Tukio sekä hyökkääjät Jakub Frolo ja Jiko Laitinen suuntaavat en

Ilveksen 18-vuotiaat lupaukset, puolustaja Ossi Tukio sekä hyökkääjät Jakub Frolo ja Jiko Laitinen siirtyvät ensi kaudeksi Pohjois-Amerikkaan CHL:n alaisiin juniorisarjoihin. Tukion uusi seura on WHL:ssä pelaava Regina Pats, Frolo siirtyy WHL-seu