Rockets’ Hayden Paupanekis Invited to 2025 NHL Scouting Combine
Kelowna, B.C. — The Kelowna Rockets are proud to announce that forward Hayden Paupanekis has been invited to attend the 2025 NHL Scouting Combine.
Paupanekis is one of 90 top draft-eligible prospects from across the globe selected to participate in this year’s combine, which runs from June 2–7 and is hosted annually by the National Hockey League in advance of the NHL Draft. The event is hosted in Buffalo, New York, where prospects are expected to take part in a series of one-on-one interviews, medical assessments, and physical tests.
The 6’4”, 203-pound forward was ranked 38th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Splitting the 2024–25 season between the Spokane Chiefs and Kelowna Rockets, Paupanekis was a key piece in the midseason trade that sent Andrew Cristall to Spokane. Over 71 combined games, he posted 22 goals and 21 assists for 43 points.
The Rockets would like to congratulate Hayden this accomplishment and look forward to his continued development as the NHL Draft approaches.