Kelowna Rockets - Feed

Shane Smith Named Finalist for CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award

Kohen Willis Dengler — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 23:24:57 +0000

KELOWNA, BC – Kelowna Rockets forward Shane Smith has been named a finalist for the Canadian Hockey League's Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Smith earned the nomination following an outstanding season both on and off the ice. Throughout the 2025-26 campaign, Smith pledged to donate $25 for every point he recorded in support of the Canadian CMV Foundation. After finishing the season with 72 points, Smith raised a total of $1,800 while helping bring awareness to congenital CMV.

Smith's commitment to the cause is deeply personal. His niece, Maia, was diagnosed with congenital CMV at birth, inspiring him to use his platform as a WHL player to support families impacted by the virus and help educate others about the condition.

On the ice, Smith was a key contributor for the Rockets, recording 33 goals and 39 assists for 72 points during the regular season. Acquired by Kelowna during the season, he quickly became an important leader within the Rockets dressing room and throughout the community.

Smith was named the recipient of the WHL's Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the Western Hockey League's Humanitarian of the Year.

The CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award recognizes a player who has made an outstanding contribution to their community while demonstrating leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game.

The winner will be announced at the 2026 CHL Awards ceremony on June 15 in downtown Toronto.

The Kelowna Rockets organization would like to congratulate Shane on this well-deserved recognition.

Kelowna Rockets Carrie Brown Named Recipient of WHL Distinguished Service Award

Kohen Willis Dengler — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:24:47 +0000

KELOWNA, BC — The Kelowna Rockets are proud to announce that Executive Assistant Carrie Brown has been named a recipient of the WHL Distinguished Service Award for the 2025-26 season, as presented by WHL Commissioner Dan Near on behalf of the WHL Board of Governors. The WHL Distinguished Service Award, established in 2004, is presented annually to individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of WHL franchises and made an extraordinary contribution at both the Club and League levels over an extended period. Awards are presented to one recipient from each of the WHL's Western and Eastern Conferences. Brown was honoured by Commissioner Near and Rockets President and General Manager Bruce Hamilton during Game 6 of the 2026 Memorial Cup, presented by Kubota. "Since 1995, the Rockets' inaugural season in Kelowna, Carrie has been a fixture in the Kelowna Rockets front office," said WHL Commissioner Dan Near. "Every Club is fueled by key personnel who consistently provide a steady presence and support our Clubs' commitment to our communities. For the entirety of her career with the Rockets, Carrie has been that dedicated and passionate contributor." A Kelowna native, Brown has been a cornerstone of the Rockets organization for 30 years. From coordinating League-related matters and internal operations to supporting staff and players, she brings exceptional attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to upholding the proud history of the franchise. Brown becomes the fourth member of the Kelowna Rockets organization to receive the WHL Distinguished Service Award, joining Lorne Frey, Norbert Heinzelmann, and Dr. Mike Bobyn. "Carrie is the heart and soul of our organization," said Hamilton. "She is the steady presence in our office every single day, ensuring that the countless moving pieces of a WHL franchise operate smoothly. Carrie does the work that often goes unnoticed but is absolutely essential. Quite simply, without Carrie Brown, the Kelowna Rockets would not be the organization we are today." The Kelowna Rockets congratulate Carrie on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for three decades of extraordinary service to this organization and this community.

Game Recap: Silvertips End Rockets Season in 4-0 Loss at the 2026 Memorial Cup

Kohen Willis Dengler — Thu, 28 May 2026 04:50:26 +0000

The Kelowna Rockets dropped their final round robin game of the 2026 Memorial Cup, falling 4-0 to the Everett Silvertips, a loss that eliminated them from tournament contention. Everett was led by Matis Vanhanen and Kayd Ruedig, who helped pace the Silvertips to the victory. While the tournament did not end the way Kelowna had hoped, the Rockets battled hard and left everything on the ice throughout the 2026 Memorial Cup. Despite the disappointing finish, the team showed resilience and determination while competing against the top junior hockey clubs in all of the Canadian Hockey League. BOXSCORE | HIGHLIGHTS | POST-GAME AVAILABILITY GAME SUMMARY The first period of the final round robin game of the 2026 Memorial Cup featured plenty of energy from both the crowd and the players, as the two teams came out flying. However, at 7:22 of the opening frame, it was Kayd Ruedig (1) who opened the scoring for Everett after a shot from the point bounced off a Rockets defender and into the net to make it 1-0. Then, just twenty-five seconds later at 7:47, Jaxon Pisani (1) scored his first career CHL goal with a seeing-eye shot from the blue line to extend the Silvertips lead to 2-0. Jaxsin Vaughan picked up the assist on the goal. The Rockets appeared to score late in the period, but the goal was waved off due to a kicking motion. Everett would take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. In the second period, Matias Vanhanen (3) added to the Silvertips lead just 1:03 into the frame. His third goal of the tournament made it 3-0 for Everett. Following the goal, Harrison Boettiger replaced Josh Banini in net for Kelowna. The Rockets generated a few opportunities on the powerplay but were unable to capitalize, and the score remained 3-0 after forty minutes of play. In the third period, the Silvertips added another goal as Carter Bear (2) found the back of the net to make it 4-0. That would stand as the final score, ending the Rockets Memorial Cup hopes. Josh Banini stopped 8 of 11 shots in the game, while Harrison Boettiger turned aside 21 of 22 shots in relief. ADDITIONAL STATS Shots on Goal: Kelowna 28 | Everett 33 Power Play: Kelowna 0/4 | Everett 0/4 Faceoffs: Kelowna 33 | Everett 29

Memorial Cup Preview: Rockets Battle Everett In Memorial Cup In WHL Playoff Rematch

Kohen Willis Dengler — Wed, 27 May 2026 20:52:49 +0000

The Kelowna Rockets will look for revenge against the Western Hockey League Champion Everett Silvertips in the Rockets last round-robin game in the 2026 Memorial Cup. The Rockets and Silvertips met in the second round of the WHL playoffs and Everett took that series in five games. The Rockets will now look to to take revenge. The Rockets, who have their backs up against a wall, need this win in order to qualify for a tiebreaker/semifinal game. MEMORIAL CUP SCHEDULE

Round-Robin – Game 1 – Friday, May 22 – Kitchener vs. Kelowna (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 2 – Saturday, May 23 – Everett vs. Chicoutimi (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 3 – Sunday, May 24 – Kelowna vs. Chicoutimi ( 6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 4 – Monday, May 25 – Everett vs. Kitchener (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 5 – Tuesday, May 26 – Chicoutimi vs. Kitchener (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 6 – Wednesday, May 27 – Kelowna vs. Everett (6 p.m. PT)
Tie-Breaker (*if necessary) – Thursday, May 28 (6 p.m. PT)
Semi-Final – Friday, May 29 (6 p.m. PT)
Championship Final – Sunday, May 31 (4 p.m. PT)

KELOWNA ROCKETS The season is on the line Wednesday night for the Kelowna Rockets. After dropping their opening two games at the Memorial Cup, the Rockets head into a must-win showdown against the Everett Silvertips, needing a victory to keep their tournament hopes alive and earn a spot in the playoff round. The game also gives Kelowna an opportunity for redemption against the same Everett team that ended their WHL playoff run earlier this spring. Much of the Rockets’ offence runs through Tij Iginla (41G, 49A), whose standout season has established him as one of the WHL’s top offensive threats. The sixth-overall selection of the Utah Mammoth finished the regular season with 41 goals and 49 assists for 90 points in just 48 games before adding another 12 points in the playoffs. He has already scored once at the Memorial Cup. Kelowna’s veteran leadership group has also played a major role throughout the season. Captain Carson Wetsch (22G, 50A), a prospect of the San Jose Sharks, recorded 72 points during the regular season while continuing to provide leadership and physical play. Overage forward Shane Smith (33G, 35A) delivered one of the best seasons of his WHL career with 33 goals and 35 assists, earning the 2026 Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy. The Rockets also benefited from an injection of young talent. Czech forward Vojtech Cihar (12G, 19A) joined the club after capturing tournament MVP honours at the 2026 World Junior Championship. The Los Angeles Kings prospect quickly became one of Kelowna’s most productive players, posting 31 points in 31 games before leading the team in playoff scoring with 13 points in nine games. Fellow rookie Tomas Poletin (20G, 15A) also made an immediate impact in his first WHL season. The New York Islanders draft pick scored 20 goals during the regular season and has already contributed offensively during the Memorial Cup with an assist. Additional scoring depth has come from Hayden Paupanekis (15G, 22A) and Hiroki Gojsic (19G, 22A), two more NHL prospects from the Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators, respectively, who have continued to contribute offensively while bringing size and physicality to the lineup. One of the more unique stories on Kelowna’s roster this Memorial Cup has been veteran Mazden Leslie (18G, 50A). After transitioning from defence to forward for the Memorial Cup, the longtime WHL veteran has also made an impact early in the tournament, scoring once while leading the Rockets in shots through two games. Leslie had one of the strongest offensive seasons of his WHL career this year, recording 68 points. On the back end, trade deadline acquisitions Parker Alcos (5G, 25A) and Keith McInnis (10G, 23A) added stability and experience to the defence corps. Alcos, a prospect of the Vancouver Canucks, quickly became an important two-way contributor after arriving from the Edmonton Oil Kings. Meanwhile, Rowan Guest (1G, 24A) and Nate Corbet (3G, 11A) continue to provide a physical presence on the blue line, while Pittsburgh Penguins second-round pick Peyton Kettles recently returned from injury to give Kelowna another experienced option defensively. In goal, draft-eligible netminder Harrison Boettiger (2.83 GAA, 0.911 SV%) handled the majority of the workload during the regular season, posting a .911 save percentage and ranking among the WHL’s top goaltenders. Josh Banini (3.35 GAA, 0.890 SV%) also played an important role and elevated his game during the playoffs, particularly against Everett, where he stopped 82 of 84 shots faced. With both goaltenders already seeing action at the Memorial Cup, the Rockets have options heading into Wednesday’s elimination game. For the Rockets, the situation is straightforward heading into Wednesday night: win and the Memorial Cup run continues. Lose, and the season comes to an end. WHERE THEY RANK

Kelowna Rockets: 7th in the Western Hockey League (38-19-6-3)
Everett Silvertips: 1st in the Western Hockey League (57-8-2-1)

Everett Silvertips The Everett Silvertips who were Ed Chynoweth Cup champions as Western Hockey League Champions will look to improve to 2-1 at the 2026 Memorial Cup in Wednesday night's battle between them and the Kelowna Rockets The Silvertips were a powerhouse in the Western Hockey League all season and led the league with fifty-seven wins and one hundred and seventeen points. The Silvertips would then go 16-2 in the postseason, beating the Portland Winterhawks, Kelowna Rockets, Penticton Vees and Prince Albert Raiders Offensively, the Finnish duo of Matias Vanhanen (21G, 66A) and Julius Miettinen (35G, 41A) led the Silvertips. Vanhanen, second among rookies in assists and first in the regular season, followed his playoff performance with twelve goals and twelve assists for twenty-four points. So far in the Memorial Cup Vanhanen has two goals and one assist in two games. Miettinen, a Seattle Kraken Prospect has the highest points-per-game rate on the team and, in the playoffs, led the WHL with fourteen goals and twenty-seven points. Miettinen and Vanhanen were one and two, respectively, among forwards this year in +/- rating. Detroit Red Wings first-round pick Carter Bear (36G, 41A) was also a massive producer for the team and he continued his success in the playoffs, where he had seven goals and fifteen assists. He has one goal so far in the Memorial Cup. Overage forwards Zachary Shantz (27G, 38A) and Rylan Gould (21G, 29A) were two other massive parts of the Silvertips offence. In the postseason, Shantz had fourteen points while Gould had ten. Defensively, the Silvertips are led by the projected first overall pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, Landon Dupont (18G, 55A). Dupont, who was fifth among blueliners in points in the regular season, would then follow that up with five goals and eighteen assists for twenty-three points, second among defencemen in the playoffs. Dupont has two assists in two games at the Memorial Cup. Outside of Dupont, Anaheim Ducks draft pick Tarin Smith (16G, 55A) is another top offensive defenceman in the WHL, but he is unavailable for the Memorial Cup due to injury. Kayd Ruedig (16G, 20A) played parts of the season with Portland and Kamloops and is another key blueliner for the Silvertips. In the playoffs he had two goals and four assists for six points. 2026 NHL Draft-Eligible Defenceman Brek Liske (7G, 17A) saw his offensive game explode in the playoffs with four goals and thirteen assists in eighteen games. Philadelphia Flyers draft pick Luke Vlooswyk (1G, 7A) brings a shutdown element to the Silvertips blueline In net, Anders Miller (2.30 GAA, 0.914 SV%) gets most of the work. Miller, one of the top netminders in the league, started the season with the Calgary Hitmen before the Silvertips acquired him on October 13th, and his thirty-one wins ranked second in the WHL. He also ranked second in the WHL with 4 shutouts. In the playoffs he played every minute between the pipes and went 16-2 with a sparkling 1.91 GAA and 0.932 SV% INSIDE THE NUMBERS Kelowna Rockets Memorial Cup History

2003: WHL Champion – Finished 3rd
2004: Host – Memorial Cup Champions
2005: WHL Champion – Finished 4th
2009: WHL Champion – Finished 2nd
2015: WHL Champion – Finished 2nd

Everett Silvertips Memorial Cup History

This is the Silvertips first time qualifying for the Memorial Cup

Special teams: Regular Season Kelowna: PP 23.1% | PK 80.3% Everett: PP 30% | PK 80.2% Special teams: Playoffs Kelowna: PP 14.7% | PK 79.3% Everett: PP 27.7% | PK 83.8% Top Performers: Regular Season Kelowna Rockets:

Tij Iginla: 41 Goals, 49 Assists, 90 Points.
Carson Wetsch: 22 Goals, 50 Assists, 72 Points.
Shane Smith: 33 Goals, 35 Assists, 68 Points.

Everett Silvertips

Matias Vanhanen: 21 Goals, 66 Assists, 87 Points.
Carter Bear: 36 Goals, 41 Assists, 77 Points.
Julius Miettinen: 35 Goals, 41 Assists, 76 Points

Top Performers: Playoffs Everett Silvertips:

Vojtech Cihar: 6 Goals, 7 Assists, 13 Points.
Tij Iginla: 7 Goals, 5 Assists, 12 Points.
Hayden Paupanekis: 2 Goals, 3 Assists, 5 Points.

Everett Silvertips

Julius Miettinen: 14 Goals, 13 Assists, 27 Points
Matias Vanhanen: 12 Goals, 12 Assists, 24 Points.
Landon Dupont: 5 Goals, 18 Assists, 23 Points.

MEMORIAL CUP BLOODLINES Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla and defenceman Nate Corbet are continuing family legacies at the Memorial Cup. Iginla’s father, Jarome Iginla, won back-to-back Memorial Cups with the Kamloops Blazers in 1994 and 1995. Current Rockets associate coach Don Hay was also behind the bench for both of those championship teams. Corbet’s father, Rene Corbet, also has Memorial Cup experience, having played in the 1991 tournament with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL. DOWN BUT NOT OUT! While the Kelowna Rockets face a significant challenge down 0-2 in the 2026 Memorial Cup, their path to Victory is not impossible and has been done before. In the 2009 Memorial Cup, the Ontario Hockey League Champion Windsor Spitfires found themselves in a similar situation, down 0-2 after two games. They would then go on to win their last round-robin game before winning the tie-breaker game, then the semifinal, and then the Memorial Cup Final.

ISight Optometry Game Recap: Rockets Lose 3-2 to Sagueneens in Overtime

Kohen Willis Dengler — Mon, 25 May 2026 04:58:12 +0000

The Kelowna Rockets and Chicoutimi Sagueneens played in a thriller Sunday night at Prospera Place in both teams second game of the 2026 Memorial Cup. Tij Iginla and Mazden Leslie would both score to help the Rockets force overtime however Liam Lefebvre would score two including the overtime winner to help the Sagueneens win the game. BOXSCORE | HIGHLIGHTS | POST-GAME AVAILABILITY GAME SUMMARY The first ten minutes of the first period saw the Kelowna Rockets dominate the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, generating the majority of the scoring chances. Kelowna used its physical style of play to help create offensive opportunities early on. Shane Smith opened the scoring midway through the first but the goal would eventually get called back for goaltender interference. The Sagueneens then had a goal of their own taken off the board due to a hand pass earlier in the play. The second half of the period would then see Chicoutimi strike first when Liam Lefebvre (1) scored at 14:38 to give the Saguenéens a 1-0 lead after twenty minutes of play. Maxim Schafer and Alonso Gosselin picked up the assists on the goal. In the second period, the Rockets finally got their first goal of the tournament when Tij Iginla (1) scored 6:29 into the frame to tie the game 1-1. Hiroki Gojsic picked up the assist on the goal. The game would remain tied heading into the second intermission. In the third period, both teams traded chances, but at 14:01 it was Anton Linde (1) who broke the deadlock to give the Saguenéens a 2-1 lead. Nathan Lecompte earned the assist on the goal. Then, just over a minute later at 15:50, Mazden Leslie (1) scored on a rebound to tie the game and force overtime off a point shot by Nate Corbet and a tip by Tomas Poletin. In overtime, it was Liam Lefebvre (2) who scored the game-winner for his second goal of the night. Nathan Lecompte and Peteris Bulans picked up the assists on the winning goal. Rockets goaltender Josh Banini stopped 26 of the 29 shots he faced in the effort, while neither team was able to score on the powerplay. ADDITIONAL STATS Shots on Goal: Kelowna 29 | Chicoutimi 29 Power Play: Kelowna 0/1 | Chicoutimi 0/2 Faceoffs: Kelowna 36 | Chicoutimi 28 UP NEXT The Kelowna Rockets will look for revenge against the Western Hockey League champion Everett Silvertips in the Rockets final round-robin game of the 2026 Memorial Cup. The Rockets last faced the Silvertips in the second round of the 2026 WHL Playoffs. The game will take place on Wednesday, May 27th at 6:00 PM PST and will be broadcast on TSN.

Game Preview: Rockets Battle QMJHL Champion Chicoutimi Saguenéens

Kohen Willis Dengler — Sun, 24 May 2026 16:45:21 +0000

The Kelowna Rockets will Battle the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League Champion Chicoutimi Sagueneens in their second game of the Memorial Cup tonight. The Rockets are coming off a 5-0 loss against the Kitchener Rangers while the Sagueneens are coming off a 5-3 loss to the Western Hockey League Champion Everett Silvertips. The Rockets are looking to bounce back after a disappointing result Friday night. This will be the first ever meeting between the Kelowna Rockets and the Chicoutimi Sagueneens MEMORIAL CUP SCHEDULE

Round-Robin – Game 1 – Friday, May 22 – Kitchener vs. Kelowna (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 2 – Saturday, May 23 – Everett vs. Chicoutimi (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 3 – Sunday, May 24 – Kelowna vs. Chicoutimi ( 6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 4 – Monday, May 25 – Everett vs. Kitchener (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 5 – Tuesday, May 26 – Chicoutimi vs. Kitchener (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 6 – Wednesday, May 27 – Kelowna vs. Everett (6 p.m. PT)
Tie-Breaker (*if necessary) – Thursday, May 28 (6 p.m. PT)
Semi-Final – Friday, May 29 (6 p.m. PT)
Championship Final – Sunday, May 31 (4 p.m. PT)

KELOWNA ROCKETS The Kelowna Rockets are looking to bounce back after a disappointing effort in Friday night’s Memorial Cup opener against the Kitchener Rangers. Kelowna struggled to generate consistent offence in the loss and will need a much stronger performance against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens if they hope to get back into the tournament picture. featuring a lineup filled with 8 NHL Drafted Prospects. Kelowna is led offensively by Tij Iginla, the sixth overall pick by the Utah Mammoth, who recorded 41 goals and 49 assists for 90 points in just 48 games this season. Iginla also added seven goals and five assists in nine playoff games. He is hoping to draw on experience gained at the 2023 Memorial Cup with the Seattle Thunderbirds. While he did not appear in any games during that tournament, he was still able to gain valuable experience from the run. Veterans Carson Wetsch (22G, 50A) and Shane Smith (33G, 35A) are also key pieces of the Rockets attack. Wetsch, the team captain and a San Jose Sharks draft pick, contributed two goals and two assists in eight playoff games. Smith, an overage forward and the winner of the 2026 Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy, also posted two goals and two assists in nine playoff games and will be counted on heavily during the tournament. The Rockets also benefited from strong rookie campaigns by Czech forwards Vojtech Cihar (12G, 19A) and Tomas Poletin (20G, 15A). Cihar, a Los Angeles Kings prospect, joined the team following the 2026 World Junior Championship, where he earned tournament MVP honours. He quickly adapted to the Rockets lineup, recording 31 points in 31 games before leading the team in playoff scoring with six goals and seven assists in nine games. Poletin, a New York Islanders draft pick, also made an immediate impact, leading all Rockets rookies with 35 points while adding two goals and three assists during the postseason. Hayden Paupanekis (15G, 22A), a Montreal Canadiens prospect, and Hiroki Gojsic (19G, 22A), drafted by the Nashville Predators, are two more important contributors up front. Paupanekis recorded two goals and three assists in nine playoff games, while Gojsic added one goal and two assists. On the back end, the Rockets are anchored by overage defenceman Mazden Leslie (18G, 50A). Leslie, a veteran of 347 WHL regular season games, is the CHL’s active leader in games played and sits tied for 20th all-time in WHL history. His 258 career points rank first among active WHL defencemen. Leslie’s 68 points this season ranked eighth among WHL blueliners, while his seven game-winning goals were second among league defencemen. He added three assists in nine playoff games. Parker Alcos (5G, 25A), a Vancouver Canucks prospect, and Keith McInnis (10G, 23A) are also important pieces of the Kelowna defence corps. Alcos, who posted a +43 rating that ranked 15th in the WHL, was acquired from the Edmonton Oil Kings at the trade deadline and quickly became a reliable two-way presence. He recorded four assists in nine playoff games. McInnis, acquired from the Red Deer Rebels before the trade deadline, brought a steady defensive game while also contributing offensively with two assists in the playoffs. Rowan Guest (1G, 24A) and Nate Corbet (3G, 11A) provide a physical edge on the blue line. Both players are key parts of Kelowna’s defensive structure and elevated their offensive play during the postseason, each recording one goal and three assists in nine games. The Rockets also received a boost when Peyton Kettles, a 2025 second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins, was able to return from an upper-body injury that has kept him out since Nov. 8 last game. In goal, 2026 NHL Draft-eligible netminder Harrison Boettiger (2.83 GAA, .911 SV%) handled the bulk of the workload for Kelowna. His 25 wins were tied for eighth in the WHL, and he was ranked 10th among North American goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting. Boettiger also posted solid playoff numbers, going 4-3 with a 3.06 GAA and a .907 save percentage. Josh Banini (3.35 GAA, .890 SV%) shared duties in the Rockets crease this season, earning 12 wins. Banini elevated his play in the postseason, stopping 82 of the 84 shots he faced against Everett, and will look to carry that momentum into the Memorial Cup. WHERE THEY RANK

Kelowna Rockets: 7th in the Western Hockey League (38-19-6-3)
Chicoutimi Sagueneens: 2nd in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (49-10-3-2)

Chicoutimi Sagueneens The Chicoutimi Saguenéens are playing in their first Memorial Cup in nearly 30 years after defeating the Moncton Wildcats in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Final to capture the Gilles-Courteau Trophy as QMJHL Champions. It marked the franchise’s first league championship in 32 years and their first title since 1994. The Saguenéens dropped their opening game of the tournament to the Everett Silvertips by a 5-2 score in their first game at the 2026 Memorial Cup. In the loss, Chicoutimi received goals from Maxim Massé, Christophe Berthelot and Alex Huang, but it was not enough to overcome the Silvertips’ offence, which scored five times to secure the victory. The Saguenéens collected plenty of hardware this season, including the Robert-Lebel Trophy as the QMJHL team with the best defensive average and the Luc-Robitaille Trophy awarded to the league’s top offensive team. Up front, the Saguenéens are led by Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxim Massé (51G, 51A), who won the Jean Béliveau Trophy as the QMJHL scoring leader. Massé, who was also named QMJHL Most Valuable Player, finished second in the league with a +62 rating, while his 16 power-play goals and eight game-winning goals also ranked second in the QMJHL. He continued his dominant season in the playoffs with six goals and 18 assists in 20 games. Veteran forwards Thomas Desruisseaux (24G, 52A) and Emmanuel Vermette (27G, 42A) are also key pieces of the Saguenéens’ offence, with both finishing among the league’s top 25 scorers. In 20 playoff games, Desruisseaux recorded three goals and 10 assists, while Vermette added 10 goals and seven assists. Nathan Lecompte (27G, 36A) is another major contributor offensively and enjoyed a strong postseason with seven goals and 13 assists. Anaheim Ducks prospect Émile Guite (32G, 33A) and Mavrick Lachance (23G, 34A) round out the forward core for the Saguenéens. In the playoffs, Guite posted eight goals and six assists, while Lachance added 10 goals and 13 assists. Defensively, the Saguenéens feature a high-scoring blue line with four defencemen reaching the 40-point mark this season. They are led by David-Desharnais Trophy winner and Nashville Predators draft pick Alex Huang (11G, 59A). Huang finished second among QMJHL defencemen in scoring and anchors the Saguenéens’ back end. He continued his success in the playoffs with two goals and 17 assists. Jordan Tourigny (13G, 42A), who was acquired from the Shawinigan Cataractes at the trade deadline, led the blue line in goals and tied for third among QMJHL defencemen in goal scoring. In the playoffs, Tourigny recorded eight goals and eight assists, with his eight goals leading all QMJHL defencemen in postseason scoring. Tourigny previously appeared in the 2022 Memorial Cup with the Cataractes. Tomas Lavoie (10G, 37A) and Peteris Bulans (12G, 28A) also enjoyed strong seasons for the Saguenéens. Lavoie, a Utah Mammoth draft pick, registered three goals and 10 assists in the playoffs, while Bulans contributed seven goals and eight assists during the postseason. In goal, Lucas Beckman (2.60 GAA, .917 SV%), who was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in last year’s NHL Draft, was outstanding all season for the Saguenéens. During the playoffs, Beckman played every minute for Chicoutimi, posting a 16-4 record with a 1.98 GAA and a .918 save percentage. Raphael Précourt (2.43 GAA, .901 SV%) also delivered a reliable season in net, splitting time with Beckman during the regular season. INSIDE THE NUMBERS Kelowna Rockets Memorial Cup History

2003: WHL Champion – Finished 3rd
2004: Host – Memorial Cup Champions
2005: WHL Champion – Finished 4th
2009: WHL Champion – Finished 2nd
2015: WHL Champion – Finished 2nd

Chicoutimi Sagueneens Memorial Cup History

1991: QMJHL Champion – Finished 3rd
1994: QMJHL Champion – Finished 3rd
1997: QMJHL Representative – Finished 4th

Special teams: Regular Season Kelowna: PP 23.1% | PK 80.3% Chicoutimi: PP 32.7% | PK 87.2% Special teams: Playoffs Kelowna: PP 14.7% | PK 79.3% Chicoutimi: PP 31.8% | PK 80% Top Performers: Regular Season Kelowna Rockets:

Tij Iginla: 41 Goals, 49 Assists, 90 Points.
Carson Wetsch: 22 Goals, 50 Assists, 72 Points.
Shane Smith 33 Goals, 35 Assists, 68 Points.

Chicoutimi Sagueneens:

Maxim Masse: 51 Goals, 51 Assists, 102 Points.
Thomas Desruisseaux: 24 Goals, 52 Assists, 76 Points.
Alex Huang: 11 Goals, 59 Assists, 70 Points

Top Performers: Playoffs Kelowna Rockets:

Vojtech Cihar: 6 Goals, 7 Assists, 13 Points.
Tij Iginla: 7 Goals, 5 Assists, 12 Points.
Hayden Paupanekis 2 Goals, 3 Assists, 5 Points.

Chicoutimi Sagueneens:

Maxim Masse: 6 Goals, 18 Assists, 24 Points.
Maverick Lachance: 10 Goals, 13 Assists, 23 Points.
Nathan Lecompte: 7 Goals, 13 Assists, 20 Points

MEMORIAL CUP BLOODLINES Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla and defenceman Nate Corbet are continuing family legacies at the Memorial Cup. Iginla’s father, Jarome Iginla, won back-to-back Memorial Cups with the Kamloops Blazers in 1994 and 1995. Current Rockets associate coach Don Hay was also behind the bench for both of those championship teams. Corbet’s father, Rene Corbet, also has Memorial Cup experience, having played in the 1991 tournament with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL. UPCOMING SCHEDULE: The Rockets next game will be a rematch of the second round of the 2026 Western Hockey League Playoffs against the Champion Everett Silvertips. That game takes place Wednesday night at 6:00 pm PST. It will be broadcasted on TSN and Victory+.

ISight Optometry Game Recap: Rockets Drop Memorial Cup Opener 5-0 To Rangers

Kohen Willis Dengler — Sat, 23 May 2026 16:23:06 +0000

Game Preview: Rockets Battle OHL Champion Kitchener Rangers In Memorial Cup Opener

Kohen Willis Dengler — Thu, 21 May 2026 22:17:43 +0000

The Kelowna Rockets will open the 2026 Memorial Cup against the Ontario Hockey League champion Kitchener Rangers. The Rockets and Rangers have only met once before on the national stage, facing off at the 2003 Memorial Cup in Quebec City. That matchup, which took place more than 8,000 days ago, saw Kitchener defeat Kelowna 4-2. This year’s tournament marks the Rockets’ first Memorial Cup appearance since 2015. For the Rangers, it will be their first appearance at the tournament since 2008, ending an 18-year absence from the Memorial Cup stage. MEMORIAL CUP SCHEDULE

Round-Robin – Game 1 – Friday, May 22 – Kitchener vs. Kelowna (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 2 – Saturday, May 23 – Everett vs. Chicoutimi (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 3 – Sunday, May 24 – Kelowna vs. Chicoutimi (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 4 – Monday, May 25 – Everett vs. Kitchener (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 5 – Tuesday, May 26 – Chicoutimi vs. Kitchener (6 p.m. PT)
Round-Robin – Game 6 – Wednesday, May 27 – Kelowna vs. Everett (6 p.m. PT)
Tie-Breaker (*if necessary) – Thursday, May 28 (6 p.m. PT)
Semi-Final – Friday, May 29 (6 p.m. PT)
Championship Final – Sunday, May 31 (4 p.m. PT)

KELOWNA ROCKETS The Kelowna Rockets enter the 2026 Memorial Cup looking to replicate their 2004 championship run, when they won the tournament as the host team. The Rockets, who feature eight NHL-drafted players, went 38-21-6-3 during the regular season, finishing fourth in the WHL Western Conference. In the playoffs, they swept the Kamloops Blazers before falling to the eventual WHL champion Everett Silvertips in five games. Kelowna is led offensively by Tij Iginla, the sixth overall pick by the Utah Mammoth, who recorded 41 goals and 49 assists for 90 points in just 48 games this season. Iginla also added seven goals and five assists in nine playoff games. He is hoping to draw on experience gained at the 2023 Memorial Cup with the Seattle Thunderbirds. While he did not appear in any games during that tournament, he was still able to gain valuable experience from the run. Veterans Carson Wetsch (22G, 50A) and Shane Smith (33G, 35A) are also key pieces of the Rockets attack. Wetsch, the teams captain and a San Jose Sharks draft pick, contributed two goals and two assists in eight playoff games. Smith, an overage forward and the winner of the 2026 Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy, also posted two goals and two assists in nine playoff games and will be counted on heavily during the tournament. The Rockets also benefited from strong rookie campaigns by Czech forwards Vojtech Cihar (12G, 19A) and Tomas Poletin (20G, 15A). Cihar, a Los Angeles Kings prospect, joined the team following the 2026 World Junior Championship, where he earned tournament MVP honours. He quickly adapted to the Rockets lineup, recording 31 points in 31 games before leading the team in playoff scoring with six goals and seven assists in nine games. Poletin, a New York Islanders draft pick, also made an immediate impact, leading all Rockets rookies with 35 points while adding two goals and three assists during the postseason. Hayden Paupanekis (15G, 22A), a Montreal Canadiens prospect, and Hiroki Gojsic (19G, 22A), drafted by the Nashville Predators, are two more important contributors up front. Paupanekis recorded two goals and three assists in nine playoff games, while Gojsic added one goal and two assists. On the back end, the Rockets are anchored by overage defenceman Mazden Leslie (18G, 50A). Leslie, a veteran of 347 WHL regular season games, is the CHL’s active leader in games played and sits tied for 20th all-time in WHL history. His 258 career points rank first among active WHL defencemen. Leslie’s 68 points this season ranked eighth among WHL blueliners, while his seven game-winning goals were second among league defencemen. He added three assists in nine playoff games. Parker Alcos (5G, 25A), a Vancouver Canucks prospect, and Keith McInnis (10G, 23A) are also important pieces of the Kelowna defence corps. Alcos, who posted a +43 rating that ranked 15th in the WHL, was acquired from the Edmonton Oil Kings at the trade deadline and quickly became a reliable two-way presence. He recorded four assists in nine playoff games. McInnis, acquired from the Red Deer Rebels before the trade deadline, brought a steady defensive game while also contributing offensively with two assists in the playoffs. Rowan Guest (1G, 24A) and Nate Corbet (3G, 11A) provide a physical edge on the blue line. Both players are key parts of Kelowna’s defensive structure and elevated their offensive play during the postseason, each recording one goal and three assists in nine games. The Rockets could also receive a boost if Peyton Kettles, a 2025 second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is able to return from an upper-body injury that has kept him out since Nov. 8. In goal, 2026 NHL Draft-eligible netminder Harrison Boettiger (2.83 GAA, .911 SV%) handled the bulk of the workload for Kelowna. His 25 wins were tied for eighth in the WHL, and he was ranked 10th among North American Goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting. Boettiger also posted solid playoff numbers, going 4-3 with a 3.06 GAA and a .907 save percentage. Josh Banini (3.35 GAA, .890 SV%) shared duties in the Rockets crease this season, earning 12 wins. Banini elevated his play in the postseason, stopping 82 of the 84 shots he faced against Everett, and will look to carry that momentum into the Memorial Cup. WHERE THEY RANK

Kelowna Rockets: 7th in the Western Hockey League (38-21-6-3)
Kitchener Rangers: 2nd in the Ontario Hockey League (47-14-5-2)

Kitchener Rangers Kitchener Rangers enter the 2026 Memorial Cup after capturing the J. Ross Robertson Cup as Ontario Hockey League champions. The Rangers bring a deep, skilled, and fast roster to the tournament, featuring 12 NHL-drafted players. Kitchener finished first in the OHL Western Conference before dominating the playoffs with a 16-2 record. The Rangers swept the Saginaw Spirit in the opening round before defeating the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in five games and the Windsor Spitfires in another five-game series. They then completed their playoff run by sweeping the Barrie Colts in the OHL Final. Offensively, the Rangers are led by Sam O'Reilly (29G, 42A), a Tampa Bay Lightning prospect who is appearing in his third straight Memorial Cup. O’Reilly began the season with the London Knights before exploding offensively after joining Kitchener, recording 43 points in 28 games with the Rangers. In the playoffs, O’Reilly led the OHL with 17 goals and 28 points in 18 games. He captured both the Red Tilson Trophy as the league’s most outstanding player and the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as playoff MVP. His seven shorthanded goals during the regular season also led the OHL. The Rangers also rely heavily on overage forwards Jack Pridham (46G, 44A) and Dylan Edwards (40G, 47A). Pridham, a Chicago Blackhawks draft pick, was named the winner of the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as the top overage player in the OHL. In 18 playoff games, he contributed two goals and 15 assists. Edwards, who started the season with the Erie Otters, was another major offensive contributor and carried that success into the playoffs with 14 goals and 11 assists. Christian Humphreys (27G, 58A), a Colorado Avalanche prospect, was another key offensive piece for Kitchener. Humphreys led the team with 58 assists, while his 30 power-play assists ranked first in the OHL. He continued to produce in the postseason, recording nine goals and 13 assists in 18 playoff games. Defensively, the Rangers are anchored by captain Cameron Reid (15G, 41A), a first-round pick of the Nashville Predators. Reid finished sixth among OHL defencemen in scoring during the regular season and added two goals and 14 assists during the playoffs. Overage defenceman Matthew Andonovski (1G, 13A), an Ottawa Senators prospect, began the season with the Belleville Senators of the AHL before returning to Kitchener. Andonovski brings extensive experience and is regarded as one of the OHL’s top defensive defencemen. He was also named the recipient of the Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award. In 18 playoff games, Andonovski posted three goals and five assists. Jared Woolley (12G, 24A), a Los Angeles Kings prospect who also began the year with the London Knights, is appearing in his third consecutive Memorial Cup. Woolley adds size and offensive ability to the Rangers blue line and recorded one goal and six assists during the playoffs. Draft-eligible defenceman Alexander Bilecki (9G, 20A) rounds out the defensive core, adding two goals and nine assists in 18 playoff games. In goal, Christian Kirsch, a San Jose Sharks draft pick, provided steady play all season long. Kirsch posted a 2.42 goals-against average and .899 save percentage while winning 27 games during the regular season. In the playoffs, he played every minute for Kitchener, finishing with a 16-2 record, a 2.32 GAA and a .900 save percentage. INSIDE THE NUMBERS All-Time Record Kelowna vs. Kitchener 0-1

Game 1: May 21st 2003 - Kitchener wins 4-2.

Kelowna Rockets Memorial Cup History

2003: WHL Champion – Finished 3rd
2004: Host – Memorial Cup Champions
2005: WHL Champion – Finished 4th
2009: WHL Champion – Finished 2nd
2015: WHL Champion – Finished 2nd

Kitchener Rangers Memorial Cup History

1981: OHL Champion – Finished 2nd
1982: OHL Champion – Memorial Cup Champions
1984: Host – Finished 2nd
1990: OHL Representative – Finished 2nd
2003: OHL Champion – Memorial Cup Champions
2008: Host/OHL Champion – Finished 2nd

Special teams: Regular Season Kelowna: PP 23.1% | PK 80.3% Kitchener: PP 26.1% | PK 81.2% Special teams: Playoffs Kelowna: PP 14.7% | PK 79.3% Kitchener: PP 30% | PK 88.7% Top Performers: Regular Season Kelowna Rockets:

Tij Iginla: 41 Goals, 49 Assists, 90 Points.
Carson Wetsch: 22 Goals, 50 Assists, 72 Points.
Shane Smith: 33 Goals, 35 Assists, 68 Points.

Kitchener Rangers

Jack Pridham: 46 Goals, 44 Assists, 90 Points.
Dylan Edwards: 40 Goals, 47 Assists, 87 Points.
Christian Humphreys: 27 Goals, 58 Assists, 85 Points

Top Performers: Playoffs Kelowna Rockets:

Vojtech Cihar: 6 Goals, 7 Assists, 13 Points.
Tij Iginla: 7 Goals, 5 Assists, 12 Points.
Hayden Paupanekis 2 Goals, 3 Assists, 5 Points.

Kitchener Rangers

Sam O’Reilly: 17 Goals, 11 Assists, 28 Points.
Dylan Edwards: 14 Goals, 11 Assists, 25 Points.
Christian Humphreys: 9 Goals, 13 Assists, 22 Points

MEMORIAL CUP BLOODLINES Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla and defenceman Nate Corbet are continuing family legacies at the Memorial Cup. Iginla’s father, Jarome Iginla, won back-to-back Memorial Cups with the Kamloops Blazers in 1994 and 1995. Current Rockets associate coach Don Hay was also behind the bench for both of those championship teams. Corbet’s father, Rene Corbet, also has Memorial Cup experience, having played in the 1991 tournament with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL. UPCOMING SCHEDULE: The Rockets next game will be against the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League Champion Chicoutimi Saguenéens. That game will take place Sunday, May 24th, at 6:00pm PST. All Memorial Cup games will be broadcasted on TSN.

Kelowna Rockets sign 2026 1st overall pick Madden Daneault

Kohen Willis Dengler — Sat, 16 May 2026 17:00:34 +0000

KELOWNA, BC — The Kelowna Rockets have signed Madden Daneault to a WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. The Rockets selected Daneault first overall in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. The 15-year-old forward from Red Deer, Alberta spent the 2025–26 season with the Red Deer Rebels U15 AAA of the AEHL, where he served as the teams captain and led the league in goals (65), assists (84), and points (149) in only 34 regular-season games. He added 22 points (11G, 11A) over nine playoff contests. Daneault also appeared in three games with the Red Deer Chiefs U18 AAA, recording two goals and four assists for six points. The 5'11", 172-pound right-shot forward earned AEHL U15 First All-Star Team honours in both 2024–25 and 2025–26, along with back-to-back John Reid Memorial MVP awards. He was part of the AEHL U15 championship team in 2024–25 and was named Playoff MVP that year aswell. "Madden is an exceptional player. He is highly skilled, competitive, and the kind of kid who makes everyone around him better," said President & General Manager Bruce Hamilton. "Those qualities were on display all season and they're exactly what you look for when you're selecting first overall. We're very pleased to have him signed and we look forward to watching him develop within our program." The Rockets would like to welcome Madden and the Daneault family to Kelowna.

Rockets captain Carson Wetsch signs entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks

Kohen Willis Dengler — Wed, 13 May 2026 16:29:47 +0000

KELOWNA, BC — The Kelowna Rockets congratulate Carson Wetsch on signing a three-year NHL Entry Level Contract with the San Jose Sharks. Wetsch, 20, served as captain of the Rockets in 2025–26, posting 22 goals and 50 assists for 72 points in 65 regular-season games. He added four points in eight playoff appearances. The 6'2", 201-pound right wing from North Vancouver, BC was selected by San Jose in the third round, 82nd overall, in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Wetsch spent four seasons in the WHL, beginning his career with the Calgary Hitmen in 2022–23. Over three seasons in Calgary he accumulated 124 points (68G, 56A) in 180 regular-season games, representing Canada at both the 2023 World U17 Hockey Challenge and the 2024 World U18 Championship. The Rockets acquired him from the Hitmen in May 2025, and he turned in his most complete campaign yet. "Carson is a player who earned everything through hard work. He came to Kelowna, took on the captaincy, and was exactly what you'd want from your leader every night. He is hard on pucks, responsible in his own end, and committed to winning," said President & General Manager Bruce Hamilton. "He plays a heavy two-way game and his compete level never wavered all season. Four years in this league has prepared him well and we couldn't be happier to see him rewarded with an NHL contract." Wetsch's signing marks the third NHL Entry Level Contract signed by a Kelowna Rocket this season, joining Vojtech Cihar (Los Angeles Kings) and Peyton Kettles (Pittsburgh Penguins). In total, five current Kelowna Rockets have signed ELC's — Wetsch, Cihar, Kettles, Tij Iginla (Utah Mammoth), and Hiroki Gojsic (Nashville Predators).