Kelowna Rockets - Feed

Kelowna Rockets Name Curtis Hamilton General Manager

Paige Bednorz — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:00:25 +0000

KELOWNA, BC – 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 welcoming Curtis in his new role as General Manager.” “My first memory of Bruce was watching him play for the Saskatoon Blades," said Richard Doerksen, VP, Hockey for the Western Hockey League. “I then got to know him personally when he was scouting for Hartford and Washington. We knew it was going to be a great move for the WHL when the Hamilton family purchased an expansion franchise in Tacoma, WA, with Bruce serving as President and General Manager of the Club. After four seasons in Tacoma, Bruce and family moved the franchise to Kelowna, where his ability to build a championship team became very evident.” “It is remarkable to see what Bruce has built in Kelowna over the past three decades," continued Doerksen. “Under Bruce’s leadership, the Rockets have become a model franchise in the Western Hockey League. Four WHL Championships, a Memorial Cup Championship and the continued consistency of winning Kelowna has enjoyed over the years speak to the legacy he leaves behind as General Manager.” “It will certainly be different working with Kelowna without Bruce as General Manager, as that is the role so many League and team personnel have known him in. At the same time, we are very comfortable with Curtis stepping into the position. Curtis has spent the past several years learning the business working alongside Bruce, and we believe he will do a tremendous job with Bruce available to provide experience and guidance.” “Bruce has been a fixture in the Western Hockey League for decades and stands as one of the longest-serving and most accomplished General Managers in league history,” said former WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “His ability to identify and develop players, build championship teams, and establish a consistently successful organization is second to none. I have tremendous respect for Bruce and everything he has contributed to the Rockets and the Western Hockey League.” Curtis Hamilton moves into the role after serving as the Rockets' Assistant General Manager since December 2022. During that time, he has been involved in all areas of hockey operations, including roster construction, player personnel, scouting, transactions, and the WHL Prospects and CHL Import Drafts. “I’m very happy with how Curtis has matured and developed into a sound hockey mind, and I’m confident he will do a great job for the Rockets and our fanbase," said Rockets President & Governor Bruce Hamilton. “I feel this is the right time to bring a younger perspective into the General Manager role. After more than 35 years, and with how today’s athletes and the game continue to evolve, the time is right for me to move into a different role.” “I look forward to continuing as President and Governor of the Rockets, and I’ll always be available for Curtis to bounce ideas off as he grows into this new position. It has been a tremendous honour to serve as General Manager since the club’s inception. I’ve treasured every moment, and I look forward to continuing my involvement with both the Rockets and the Western Hockey League.” Curtis' history with the organization began before his move into management. He served as an Assistant Coach with the Rockets during the 2020-21 WHL hub season before returning to professional hockey. “I’m also very excited for Curtis and the opportunity he has earned to lead the hockey club into its next chapter. He will have an excellent mentor in Bruce, and I look forward to seeing what Curtis and the Rockets accomplish in the years ahead.” “The WHL extends its congratulations to Curtis Hamilton on being promoted to General Manager of the Kelowna Rockets,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “Following an accomplished playing career that included four seasons with the Saskatoon Blades and 10 years of pro hockey, Curtis has come full circle, developing into one of the great young hockey operations leaders in the WHL – a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and dedication to the sport. We wish him the best as he establishes a new era of Kelowna Rockets hockey.” Following the conclusion of his playing career in 2022, Hamilton returned to Kelowna full-time as Assistant General Manager. Prior to joining the Rockets' front office, he earned his Master's degree in Sports Management from Ulster University in Northern Ireland while playing in the British Elite Ice Hockey League. “I am excited for the opportunity and challenge of the new role. I look forward to working with the staff, players, and community," said newly appointed General Manager Curtis Hamilton. “This organization has always had high expectations and that will only continue moving forward.” A Kelowna product, Hamilton played four seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Saskatoon Blades. His junior career was highlighted by an 82-point season in 2010-11, while he also represented Canada at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship, the IIHF World Junior Championship and the Spengler Cup, which he won in 2018. Hamilton was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, 48th overall, of the 2010 NHL Draft. He went on to play professionally for 10 seasons across North America and Europe, including one NHL appearance with Edmonton and more than 200 games in the American Hockey League. His professional career also took him to Czechia, Finland, Austria, and the United Kingdom before his retirement following the 2021-22 season.

Kelowna Rockets Announce 2026 Training Camp Schedule Presented by DKL Financial

Paige Bednorz — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 01:21:51 +0000

KELOWNA, BC – The Kelowna Rockets announced today the schedule for 2026 Training Camp presented by DKL Financial, which will take place August 26-30 at Prospera Place. Camp will feature four days of competition as prospects and returning players hit the ice before concluding with the annual DKL Financial Young Guns Game on Sunday, August 30 at 11:00 a.m. For the first time in Rockets history, the DKL Financial Young Guns Game will be open to the public, giving fans their first opportunity to see the next generation of Rockets compete at Prospera Place. * Admission to the Young Guns Game will be by donation to the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

2026 Training Camp Schedule

Wednesday, August 26 Player Registration Day Thursday, August 27 9:00 a.m. – Team Benn Practice 10:30 a.m. – Team Backlund Practice 12:00 p.m. – Team Myers Practice 2:30 p.m. – Team Benn Small Area Games 3:45 p.m. – Team Backlund Small Area Games 5:00 p.m. – Team Myers Small Area Games Friday, August 28 9:00 a.m. – Team Benn vs. Team Backlund 1:00 p.m. – Team Backlund vs. Team Myers 6:00 p.m. – Team Myers vs. Team Benn Saturday, August 29 9:00 a.m. – Team Backlund vs. Team Myers 1:00 p.m. – Team Benn vs. Team Myers 6:00 p.m. – Team Backlund vs. Team Benn Sunday, August 30 (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) 11:00 a.m. – DKL Financial Young Guns Game (Team Keith vs Team Weber) The Young Guns Game will provide fans with an early look at several of the organization's top young prospects as they compete for an opportunity to take the next step with the Rockets. --

Honouring Rockets Alumni

Training Camp teams are named in recognition of five distinguished Rockets alumni:

Duncan Keith – A cornerstone of the Rockets’ 2003 WHL Championship-winning team, Keith went on to capture three Stanley Cups and two Norris Trophies with the Chicago Blackhawks, along with two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada. He was recently inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024-25 as well as the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in 2025.
Shea Weber – A two-time WHL Champion with the Rockets, Weber was named the 2005 WHL Playoffs MVP before embarking on an illustrious NHL career. A three-time Norris Trophy finalist and seven-time NHL All-Star, Weber won two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024.
Jamie Benn – A key member of the Rockets’ 2009 WHL Championship team, Benn led the WHL playoffs with 33 points before capturing the Ed Chynoweth Trophy as the leading scorer at the Memorial Cup. He went on to become one of the NHL’s premier forwards, surpassing 1,000 NHL games, winning the Art Ross Trophy in 2015, earning three NHL All-Star selections and capturing an Olympic gold with Team Canada in 2014.
Mikael Backlund – Backlund helped lead the Rockets to the 2009 WHL Championship, scoring a league-leading 13 goals during the playoff run. He went on to become a longtime leader with the Calgary Flames, surpassing 1,000 NHL games and winning the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2023, while also representing Sweden extensively on the international stage.
Tyler Myers – The 2009 WHL Playoffs MVP, Myers helped lead the Rockets to a WHL Championship and an appearance in the Memorial Cup final before making an immediate impact in the NHL. He captured the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2010 and has since played more than 1,000 NHL games, while also winning gold with Canada at the World Juniors and World Championship.

Rockets Forward Shane Smith Signs AHL Contract with Henderson Silver Knights

Paige Bednorz — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 23:00:30 +0000

KELOWNA, BC– The Kelowna Rockets are pleased to announce that forward Shane Smith has signed an American Hockey League contract with the Henderson Silver Knights, the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights.

Smith, 21, joined the Rockets in a trade with the Lethbridge Hurricanes in November 2025, arriving in Kelowna alongside forward Vojtech Cihar. In his lone season with the Rockets, the 6'2", 205-pound left-shot forward posted 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points in 41 regular-season games, adding four points in nine playoff games and appearing in three games at the 2026 Memorial Cup.

"Shane brought a lot to our team this year, both as a player and as a person," said President & General Manager Bruce Hamilton. "We're proud of everything he accomplished here and we're excited to see him take this next step with Henderson."

Over his four-year WHL career with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Lethbridge Hurricanes, and Kelowna Rockets, Smith appeared in 264 regular season games, recording 93 goals and 90 assists for 183 points.

Away from the rink, Smith made an equally significant impact in the community. He was named the 2025-26 WHL Humanitarian of the Year and was recognized as a finalist for the CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award after raising funds throughout the season for the Canadian CMV Foundation, inspired by his niece Maia's battle with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV).

The Kelowna Rockets congratulate Shane on signing his first professional contract and wish him continued success with the Henderson Silver Knights.

Kelowna Rockets Hire Mike Reagan as Assistant Coach

Paige Bednorz — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:30:46 +0000

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 joins the Rockets following a 19-year tenure with the SJHL's Flin Flon Bombers, where he served as Head Coach beginning in 2006-07 before taking on the dual role of General Manager and Head Coach in 2013-14.

During the 19 years behind the Bombers' bench, Reagan compiled an impressive 606-334-88 regular season record while capturing five division titles and leading the club to six SJHL Finals, including a championship in 2025-26.

"We're excited to welcome Mike to the Kelowna Rockets organization," said President & General Manager Bruce Hamilton. "He has built a winning culture throughout his coaching career and brings a tremendous amount of experience in player development. Mike's track record speaks for itself, and we believe he'll be an outstanding addition to our staff."

Reagan has also enjoyed extensive success on the international stage with Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge, helping the program capture gold as Video Coach in 2015-16 before earning another gold medal as Head Coach in 2017-18. He most recently guided Canada West to a bronze medal in 2024-25.

His coaching accomplishments have been recognized across Canadian junior hockey. Reagan was named both SJHL Coach of the Year and CJHL Coach of the Year in 2023-24, capping his career in Flin Flon with an SJHL championship in 2025-26.

"I am incredibly honoured and excited to join the prestigious Kelowna Rockets organization," said newly appointed assistant coach Mike Reagan. "I look forward to working alongside the coaching staff and using my experience to help in any way I can to reach the goal of winning a championship."

Rockets Sign Forward Jakub Frolo to WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement

Paige Bednorz — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:19:03 +0000

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 well beyond the junior level before arriving in North America. Heading into the 2026 NHL Draft, NHL Central Scouting ranked Jakub 32nd among European skaters, but he went undrafted. An intelligent, playmaking forward, Frolo excels at reading the game and finding teammates from difficult positions, particularly from the half-wall and across the slot. He is a skilled passer in tight quarters and brings a competitive edge to his game, playing with physicality and a willingness to get under opponents' skin. His combination of offensive instincts and on-ice character made him the clear target for Kelowna with the 33rd overall selection. "Jakub was a player we identified early and we were very happy to get him at 33," said President & General Manager Bruce Hamilton. "He's a smart, skilled forward who has shown he can produce consistently at a high level. He plays with an edge, he makes plays, and he's the type of player who makes everyone around him better. We're excited to get him to Kelowna." Frolo joins Vojtech Cihar and Tomas Poletin to give the Rockets a strong core of import forwards heading into the 2026-27 season.

Rockets Prospect Petr Hörnig Named to Team Czechia for 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Paige Bednorz — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 22:28:15 +0000

KELOWNA, BC – Kelowna Rockets prospect Petr Hörnig has been named to Team Czechia's roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, set to take place August 3-8 in Edmonton, Alberta.

The 16-year-old forward was selected by the Rockets in the third round (173rd overall) of the 2026 CHL Import Draft after an impressive season with Bílí Tygři Liberec U20 in Czechia.

Hörnig recorded 23 goals and 25 assists for 48 points in 33 games with Liberec's U17 club during the 2025-26 season before adding 14 points (7G, 7A) in nine playoff games. He also appeared in 11 games at the U20 level and represented Czechia internationally, collecting 12 points (8G, 4A) in 15 games with the national U17 team.

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup has long served as a showcase for many of hockey's top young prospects. While many players in this year's tournament will be eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, Hörnig will not be draft eligible until 2028 because his October 15, 2009 birthday falls after the NHL's September 15 age cutoff.

Hörnig is expected to continue his development in Czechia during the 2026-27 season following his selection by the Rockets in the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Kelowna owns his WHL rights, and the organization could see the skilled forward make the move to North America for the 2027-28 season.

Harrison Boettiger Named to U.S. Roster for 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase

Paige Bednorz — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:41:08 +0000

KELOWNA, BC – Kelowna Rockets goaltender Harrison Boettiger has been named to the United States roster for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, USA Hockey announced.

The showcase will take place from July 26 to August 1 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, and will feature players from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden. The event serves as an evaluation opportunity ahead of the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Boettiger is one of five goaltenders named to the 47-player U.S. roster. The Wheat Ridge, Colorado product previously spent two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program before joining the Rockets for the 2025-26 season.

The 18-year-old appeared in 41 regular-season games during his first season in Kelowna, posting a 25-10-5 record, a 2.83 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage.

The Rockets congratulate Harrison on earning the opportunity to represent the United States.

Don Hay Named Senior Advisor to Hockey Operations

Paige Bednorz — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:51:27 +0000

Kelowna Rockets Accepting Applications for 2026-27 Internships

Paige Bednorz — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:53:54 +0000

KELOWNA, BC – The Kelowna Rockets are now accepting applications for three internship opportunities for the 2026-27 Western Hockey League season.

Designed for post-secondary students seeking academic credit and hands-on experience in the sports industry, the internship program provides an opportunity to contribute to one of the WHL's premier organizations while building a professional portfolio in a fast-paced, team environment.

Applications are currently being accepted for the following positions:

Graphic Design Intern

Remote | Full-Season or Half-Season

Working within the Rockets' Communications & Marketing department, the Graphic Design Intern will assist in creating digital content and promotional materials that support the organization's brand throughout the season.

Responsibilities include designing graphics for social media, ticketing, retail, partnerships, community initiatives, and game day campaigns while collaborating with the Director of Communications & Social Media.

Applicants should have experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, strong design skills, and be currently enrolled in a post-secondary program eligible for internship or practicum credit.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and portfolio, along with their preferred placement term.

Social Media Intern

Kelowna, BC | Full-Season or Half-Season

The Social Media Intern will work alongside the Rockets' Communications department, focusing on the creation of engaging short-form content for TikTok and Instagram Reels while providing behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the season.

Responsibilities include filming and editing video content, assisting with player features and interviews, identifying emerging social media trends, and supporting game day and event coverage.

Applicants should have experience creating short-form video content, proficiency with editing software such as CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, and be comfortable working evenings and weekends during the hockey season. Candidates must be based in, or able to commute to, Kelowna and be enrolled in a post-secondary program eligible for internship or practicum credit.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and examples of previous social media work, along with their preferred placement term.

Apparel Design Intern

Remote or Kelowna, BC | Full-Season or Half-Season

The Apparel Design Intern will support the development of Rockets retail merchandise and lifestyle apparel while collaborating with the organization's Retail department.

Responsibilities include designing apparel concepts, creating merchandise mockups, researching current sportswear trends, and assisting with product development for future retail collections.

Applicants should possess experience in fashion, apparel, or product design, proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and be enrolled in a post-secondary program eligible for internship or practicum credit.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, portfolio, preferred work arrangement (remote or in person), and preferred placement term.

Applications for all three internship opportunities close on Friday, July 31, 2026. Applications will be reviewed following the deadline, and only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For complete job descriptions and application details, visit chl.ca/whl-rockets/job-opportunities/

Kelowna Rockets Accepting Applications for Assistant Coach Position

Paige Bednorz — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:49:25 +0000

KELOWNA, BC – The Kelowna Rockets are now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Coach, the hockey club announced Tuesday.

Reporting to General Manager Bruce Hamilton as well as Head Coach Derrick Martin, the successful candidate will play an integral role in the development of Rockets players both on and off the ice while supporting all aspects of the club's hockey operations.

The Assistant Coach will work closely with the coaching staff to assist with player development, practice planning, game preparation, video analysis, recruitment, and day-to-day team operations. In addition to coaching responsibilities, the position will support team logistics, including travel coordination, road trip planning, and league administration.

The ideal candidate will have previous coaching and/or playing experience, a strong background in player development, and excellent communication and organizational skills. Experience with video analysis, hockey analytics, and Microsoft Office is considered an asset.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to curtish@kelownarockets.com no later than Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PT.

For more information on the position, visit chl.ca/whl-rockets/job-opportunities/