2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Kelowna Rockets

Welcome to The Hockey News 2024-25 season preview series. From August 29 to September 20, THN's WHL duo will examine some of the biggest storylines facing each team this season. Today's edition is focused on the Kelowna Rockets, who enter the year as one of the top teams in the B.C. Division.

2023-24 Statistics:
Regular Season Record: 33-30-4-1, 71 Points (2nd B.C. Division)
Playoffs: Defeated Wenatchee Wild 4-2
Defeated By Prince George Cougars 4-1
Key Departures: Gabriel Szturc (F), Trae Johnson (F)
Key Additions: Levi Benson (F), Rowan Guest (D)

Few teams in the West have a deeper lineup than the Rockets. Stacked with NHL-drafted talent, Kelowna looks ready to take another step forward this year and will be in contention for the B.C. Division crown. This will also be a massive year for the Rockets as an organization, as they have submitted a bid to host the 2026 Memorial Cup.

Kelowna's forward group is what makes them so dangerous. Andrew Cristall and Tij Iginla are once again projected to have massive seasons, while they should get plenty of help from drafted players Hiroki Gojsic and Max Graham, who were both selected in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. As for the player to watch, that will be 16-year-old Levi Benson, who was acquired from the Swift Current Broncos this past offseason. The brother of Buffalo Sabres Zach Benson, he had 50 points in 29 games at the U18 level last season and is projected to be a play in the Rocket's middle-six as well as on the power play in 2024-25.

Moving on to the defence core, the name that stands out is Caden Price, who is returning for his fourth WHL season. Expect plenty of minutes from Price, as he is bound to see time on the first power play and penalty kill units. Outside of Price, there are plenty of talented players expected to play significant roles, including Rowan Guest, who will be making his WHL debut this season, Ethan Mittelsteadt, who had 31 points in 67 games and import Marek Rocak, who is coming off a strong performance for Czechia at the U20 tournament in Vierumäki, Finland.

As for the goaltending, Jari Kykkanen and Jake Pilon are projected to split the net once again. Kykkanen should get the majority of the starts, as this is his final season in the WHL. Overall, it is a solid tandem that should be able to steal some games for Kelowna throughout the season.

The Rockets are going to be an exciting team to watch. They can score 5-6 goals a game and are strong enough defensively to limit the opposition's chances. Kelowna will be a team to watch all year as they look to capture their first B.C. Division title since 2018.

Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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