2026 Memorial Cup Game 3 Player to Watch: Vojtech Cihar, Kelowna Rockets

Kelowna, B.C.- The 2026 Memorial Cup features one of the most impressive classes of import players the CHL has seen in years, and Kelowna Rockets forward Vojtech Cihar is certainly one to watch.

In the past year, Cihar has gone from hearing his name called at the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles, where he was selected by the Kings themselves, to a lackluster start in the Czech Extraliga, a breakout performance at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, a fresh start in the Okanagan, and now, a chance to play for one of the most coveted trophies in the sporting world.

“It’s kind of crazy, I know,” Cihar said. “I’m just trying to live my life and try to try to, like, be the best in every team I will be in.”

Cihar had just eight points (4G-4A) in 27 games with HC Energie Karlovy Vary before World Juniors, and the Rockets had acquired his rights in a blockbuster trade with the Lethbridge Hurricanes (a move that also saw veteran Shane Smith make tracks for B.C.).

The Chomutov, Cze. product had fans in Europe- and Kelowna- buzzing as he posted 12 points (4G-8A) in seven games to earn World Juniors silver and tournament MVP honours.

But he admits he needed a change of scenery when it came to his club team, and Los Angeles brass wanted to see the 19-year-old develop his game in the WHL, so after the tournament, it was time to land in North America, with a new team and smaller ice surface waiting for him.

Cihar was surprised by how similar Kelowna and his hometown were in terms of nature and scenery- and it didn’t take long to find his footing at the rink, either.

He erupted for 12 goals (including a hat trick) and 19 assists in 31 regular-season games to close out the campaign and hit a new gear in the postseason with a team-leading 13 points (6G-7A).

VOJTECH CIHAR. WHAT A SHOT.💥💥💥@Kelowna_Rockets | @LAKings | #WHLPlayoffs | #FeedingtheFuture pic.twitter.com/720R6wRrhi

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) April 1, 2026

Perhaps most importantly, he assisted the game-tying and overtime goal in Game 4 and the game-tying goal to force extra time in Game 5 against the eventual-WHL Champion Everett Silvertips in their second-round series.

For Head Coach Derrick Martin, Cihar’s impact goes far beyond scoring.

“He might lead our team in shot blocks in the playoffs, and his willingness to put his body on the line to make plays,” Martin remarked. “He has an ability to play really heavy in one-on-one battles and come out with a lot of pucks, and some of that’s his headiness and his intelligence, but you know, some of it’s just his will.

I don’t think it took him a whole bunch of time to get really comfortable here and play the game that he’s capable of. He’s a guy that’s beloved in the dressing room, he’s a bit of a glue guy for us, and he does a lot of little things on the ice that you know, I don’t even know that the average fan gets to pay attention to, but we appreciate a whole bunch.”

Cihar has also found sizzling chemistry with Utah Mammoth prospect Tij Iginla.

With all his early success with the Rockets, it’s a little surprising that Cihar feels his confidence is the aspect of his game that’s grown the most in 2025-26.

“Confidence to be more on the puck and play with the puck, make the plays, and maybe just like try to shoot more than in Czechia,” Cihar explained. “Maybe the physicality improved a lot, too, and obviously the skating too, because it’s such a fast, fast league, and I just needed to adjust.”

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED??? 🤯

VOTJECH CIHAR WITH AN ABSOLUTE NASTY PENALTY SHOT GOAL!!@Kelowna_Rockets | @LAKings | #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/3lP5Xy59qT

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) February 12, 2026

Cihar will look for another clutch performance as Kelowna faces the QMJHL Champion Chicoutimi Sagueneens on Sunday night- and his family and girlfriend have made the trek from Czechia to cheer him on.

Both clubs are on the hunt for their first wins at the tournament.

Puck drop is set for 6:00 p.m. PT at Prospera Place.

Fans in Canada can watch the game on TSN, while NHL Network and Victory+ are available for those in the United States.

Additionally, fans outside of Canada can stream the action on Victory+.