Played on Feb 21, 2026
Game Played in Prospera Place
General Game Notes: Tij Iginla scored twice, the fourth game in a row he has done so, to lead the Kelowna Rockets to a 4-2 win over the visiting Kamloops Blazers. This tightly played game was tied at one halfway through the second period until Iginla scored both of his goals 66 seconds apart. Ty Halaburda and Vojtech Cijar into an empty net rounded out the scoring for the Rockets. Nathan Behm and Jordan Keller replied for the Blazers.
JP Hurlbert (C, R, 6’0″, 187, Kamloops Blazers, 04/01/2008, Michigan)
Game Rating
A-
Hurlbert is an offensively gifted forward who excels in various aspects of the game, including puck skills, vision, and competitiveness. He consistently creates plays by identifying seams in the defense and making decisive passes or shots. His skating and mobility are good, allowing him to quickly move through traffic and create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Hurlbert’s game is marked by a high level of intelligence and adaptability, as he can play multiple roles on the ice, including playmaker, shooter, and forechecker. He thrives in the offensive zone, where he can use his speed, agility, and vision to create scoring chances. While there are some areas for improvement, such as defensive-zone awareness and puck retrievals, Hurlbert’s overall game is well-rounded and showcases his potential as a top-end contributor.
1 Viewing
Comments: Hurlbert, the league’s current points leader, is a high-end dual offensive threat who pairs notably very good top-end speed with strong puck protection, making him difficult to knock off the puck and dangerous in open ice. He consistently finds space for himself and shows excellent vision as a puck distributor, able to make plays both in open ice and through tight traffic (a notable sequence: on a 3-on-2 he found space, received a cross-ice feed, then quickly returned a perfect pass to his linemate Behm for a tap-in). He is effective on the power play-versatile as a shooter, passer, and roaming creator-and regularly makes small high-speed plays that change momentum. In this game he logged 22 minutes of ice time (in line with his season average) and, while he has won just over 40% of his battles this season, that number belies his willingness to compete; with age and improved technique his physical battles also should become an additional asset.
Isa Guram (D, L, 6’0″, 173, Kamloops Blazers, 05/10/2007, Northern Michigan)
Game Rating
B+
Isa Guram is a reliable defenseman who consistently performs at a high level, making him an integral part of the team’s defensive setup. He excels in both his own zone and on the ice, demonstrating strong puck skills and playmaking abilities that allow him to efficiently move his teammates out of danger. Guram’s mobile skating and top-end speed enable him to keep up with opponents and create scoring opportunities for himself and others. He plays a calm and composed game, making smart decisions in all situations. His defensive reads are sound, and he uses effective hitting and pinning technique to secure the zone. While not a physical presence, Guram’s reliable work ethic and poise under pressure make him a trusted option on both special teams units.
1 Viewing
Comments: Guram is a mobile, engaged defenseman who plays an active, read-driven game – calm and reliable on retrievals and breakouts and consistently delivers quality first passes to relieve pressure. He reads the play well and combines patience with the ability to make decisive plays, ranging from crisp short connections to timely stretch passes; his high-end vision was evident in the offensive zone when he faked a slap shot and threaded a pinpoint pass to Keller for a one timer goal. A very good skater with strong puck skills, he provides dependable five-on-five minutes, chips in on the second penalty kill, and logged nearly 22 minutes (second among defensemen) in this contest. He uses his body effectively to angle and eliminate opponents, which is evidenced by his 60% battle success rate, though he is not overly physical and shows limited pushback.
Harrison Brunicke (D, R, 6’3″, 195, Kamloops Blazers, 05/08/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Harrison Brunicke is a dynamic defenseman who brings confidence and mobility to the blue line. His strong skating enables him to excel in defensive situations, making effective hits and pins while quickly transitioning into offense. He demonstrates crisp decision-making and passing skills, allowing him to evade defenders and find open teammates. Brunicke’s ability to read the neutral zone well disrupts attacks early on, showcasing his high-end two-way potential. His energetic play and drive through the ice make him a promising prospect as a shutdown defenseman with exceptional instincts for driving possession forward.
1 Viewing
Comments: Brunicke is a 6’3′ right-shot defenseman for the Blazers who does virtually everything at a high level-played 22 minutes in this game (just above his season average) and balances heavy five-on-five minutes with top-unit power-play and penalty-kill duties; his battle-success rate sits around a 60% for the season. A very good skater with excellent mobility and top-end speed, he regularly drives play by transporting the puck out of his own zone to lead attacks or provide an extra layer offensively. On the man advantage he shows very good hands and vision and can quarterback from the top, while defensively he brings physicality, finishes through the neutral zone, wins one-on-one battles in his own end, pushes back, and rarely got a response in these situations, and protects the slot in front of his net.
Jordan Keller (C, L, 5’11”, 177, Kamloops Blazers, 03/08/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Jordan Keller is a well-rounded center with impressive skating skills, allowing him to create plays and navigate through traffic effectively. He showcases strong vision, making smart decisions on the ice, such as slipping through the middle for a goal. Keller’s combination of quickness, playmaking, and defensive responsibility make him a dependable two-way center. Keller demonstrates excellent speed and awareness, facilitating smooth breakouts and showcasing his ability to create plays under pressure. However, he can improve in certain areas, such as down-low coverage, which led to a negative plus/minus this season. Despite this, Keller excels at puck retrieval and making plays on the attack. As a key contributor to both power play and penalty kill units, Keller’s intelligence and trust from coaches are evident. He consistently displays strong positional awareness and is willing to make sacrifices for his team. With his dedication and skill, Keller is a valuable asset to any lineup.
1 Viewing
Comments: Keller is a reliable 200-foot forward for the Blazers who combines strong skating and excellent puck-handling with good top-end speed, making him a consistent offensive threat; currently posting just above a point per game with an even split between goals and assists, he is shifty in tight areas, shows poise in traffic, and is particularly effective as the late man on the top power-play unit. He is reliable in the defensive zone, making good reads and maintaining body position. He competes hard in battles and willingly initiates contact, though adding strength would help him finish more duels where he sometimes gets outmuscled. Keller also brings value on the dot with a 55% faceoff success rate; in this game he skated 17+ minutes, about two minutes below his season average, but still impacted play at both ends.
Ty Bonkowski (RW, R, 5’10”, 169, Kamloops Blazers, 07/09/2008)
Game Rating
B
Bonkowski is a compact and competitive who forward brings a fearless edge to his play, consistently finding soft ice and using good straight-line speed to create scoring chances. He is evasive and shifty in tight areas and reads plays well, making him effective in transition. On the defensive end, he shows reliable awareness on the back check and defensive zone coverage reads, allowing him to be a trusted contributor in key situations. With strong skating, puck skills, and quickness in tight spaces, this forward is poised with the puck, making smart plays and setting up scoring chances. He battles hard for pucks and finishes checks on the body, providing a solid contribution across all situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Bonkowski is a well-rounded contributor for the Blazers who pairs strong skating-top-end speed and quickness-with a confident, hard-working approach on both ends of the ice. He competes aggressively in puck battles (season success just above 40%), goes hard to the net, and plays a physical, effective forecheck; those battle numbers should improve with added experience and technique. He showed awareness defensively, where he notably stayed below the pile at the defensive blueline until the puck cleared the zone. Offensively he’ll shoot the puck when the lane opens but also shows good awareness as a distributor and playmaker, and he logged over 16 minutes in this game while contributing on the second power-play unit. Overall, Bonkowski brings dependable two-way instincts, compete level, and versatility to the Blazers’ lineup.
Vit Zahejsky (C, R, 5’10”, 185, Kamloops Blazers, 08/10/2007)
Game Rating
B
Zahejsky’s impressive skills are evident on the ice, with solid skating foundation and agile movements that allow him to navigate through defenses effectively. His hands are particularly noteworthy, showcasing good vision and playmaking ability. While he stands at 5’10”, his quickness compensates for a potential size disadvantage. However, Zahejsky’s reliance on his skill sometimes leads to inconsistencies in his game. He tends to focus on executing his moves rather than consistently bringing a competitive edge. To maximize his abilities, he needs to work on elevating his intensity and going to the hard areas of the ice. This will enable him to make a more significant impact on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Zahejsky skated nearly 17 minutes – above his 13-minute season average – and showed why he projects as a high-upside forward. A smooth skater with quality top-end speed, he pairs very good puck skills with a willingness to engage physically when needed. Defensively he displayed awareness and urgency, quickly jumping down on the weak side to provide net-front coverage, and on the second power play where he is the late guy on the breakout, and plays the flank. Primarily playing his offside left wing in this game, he clearly prefers the skill game but must learn to leverage those very good tools more aggressively: by digging harder to the inside, finishing battles and adopting a more assertive, take-charge style he can unlock the next level of his very good overall skillset.
Tij Iginla (C, L, 6’0″, 191, Kelowna Rockets, 08/01/2006)
Game Rating
A
Iginla’s strengths lie in his work ethic, competitive drive, and ability to protect the puck effectively. He excels at driving pace, creating chances, and offering dependable two-way value. His speed, mobility, and defensive instincts make him a key contributor on both power play and penalty kill units. A physical center with elite edge work, Iginla is difficult to knock off the puck along the boards and maintains control under pressure. He has excellent top-end shot release and plays a hard, two-way game, logging significant minutes in high-pressure situations. While occasional puck ownership issues can be a concern, his overall skillset translates well to the pro level. Iginla’s speed, strength, and puck protection abilities make him a threat on offense, and his decision-timing is an area for refinement. He consistently creates scoring chances for others and finishes plays or draws pressure dishes off. His consistency will determine his role in the lineup.
1 Viewing
Comments: Iginla is a game-driving forward who impacts every shift with relentless work ethic, determination and high-end skill; an excellent skater with elite mobility, he consistently creates danger off the rush, beats defenders one-on-one with quick hands and speed, and uses curl-backs and tight puck control to sustain zone possession and find late support on the attack. He controlled the game – contributing two goals and an assist – and plays a power game, keeping his feet moving through traffic, absorbing contact while maintaining possession, and protecting the puck on the walls before spinning off to dart into seams for his dangerous wrist shot or make a play. He logged team-high minutes (26+), is a top contributor on both the power play and penalty kill, and is a reliable faceoff option (around 55% on the season). Overall he grades out as a two-way, ice-time-driving leader who influences all phases.
Carson Wetsch (RW, R, 6’1″, 201, Kelowna Rockets, 05/04/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Wetsch is a well-rounded forward who consistently demonstrates strong hockey IQ and playmaking ability, often making smart decisions that create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He possesses excellent top-end speed and strong skating, allowing him to pressure the forecheck and drive the net with confidence. Wetsch’s physical edge and willingness to engage in battles for space in front of the net make him a reliable presence on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Wetsch is a steady, dependable captain who brings consistent effort every night – his work ethic and willingness to support and defend teammates are never in doubt. He also often does the little things that drives team play offensively; tonight he added two quality assists, one after winning a puck race just inside the Blazers’ blue line, absorbing contact and whipping a no-look backhand feed to a streaking Iginla who finished for a goal. Just over a point-per-game this season, Wetsch is primarily a set-up man with excellent on-ice awareness, which allows him to find teammates and create chances. He also can create scoring opportunities for himself, by consistently going to the net, but finding the back of the net, he seems to be somewhat snake bit this season. His season battle-success rate sits around 50% and he logged nearly 21 minutes in this game – right around his season average – making him a very reliable, all-around contributor for the Rockets.
Dawson Gerwing (LW, L, 6’4″, 232, Kelowna Rockets, 07/12/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Dawson Gerwing is a physical left-wing who excels at grinding along the walls and finishing checks. He consistently pressures opposing defensemen, thrives in scrums, and stands up for teammates. While his puck skills are serviceable, his value lies in his ability to create chaos and opportunities through physical play. Gerwing’s reliability is a strength, as he always brings effort every game. His tenacity in contested situations makes him a valuable asset to any lineup. He demonstrates leadership qualities, such as initiating fights to spark his team, and has the ability to recognize pivotal moments on the ice. With room for improvement in his skating mechanics, Gerwing’s game is more about utilizing his strength along the boards and pursuing pucks rather than being a primary offensive driver. However, if he can refine his skills, Gerwing could become a more effective force at even strength and on the penalty kill.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gerwing is a physical winger who consistently impacts every shift, clearly understands his role-using energy, good top-end speed and quickness in tight to be first in the forecheck and routinely finish hard on defensemen; offensively he’s an effective dump-and-chase guy when he carries through the neutral zone but also shows the hockey sense to drive the net when he lacks possession. He chips in on the second power-play unit as a solid net front presence and puck retrieval player. He plays with clear purpose and dependable motor, logging 17:30 in this game (about four minutes above his season average), but there are areas for improvement: his skating mechanics need refinement and his battle win rate (~45% on the season) suggests he must improve technique and smarter on puck battles to fully translate his physicality into consistent possession and higher-impact minutes.
Jacob Henderson (D, R, 6’1″, 191, Kelowna Rockets, 03/13/2008)
Game Rating
B
Henderson brings an impressive work ethic, physicality, and competitiveness to his shifts, making him a valuable asset on the ice. As a strong skater, he effectively uses his edges to engage opponents, finishes checks hard, and stands up for teammates in scrums. His puck-handling skills are solid, allowing him to make smart passes and create scoring opportunities. In both defensive and offensive situations, Henderson displays poise, vision, and calm decision-making. He is a reliable presence on the blue line, capable of making plays that relieve pressure or create chances. While he may not be the biggest player on the ice, his competitiveness and tenacity make him a formidable presence.
1 Viewing
Comments: Henderson is a reliable young defenseman for the Rockets who eats valuable minutes on the back end behind two seasoned right-shot veterans; he’s proven at five-on-five and can move up and down the lineup when needed. He displays a well-rounded skill set – mobile, composed with the puck, consistently making smart first passes and effective secondary plays – and he brings a heavy wrist shot that he uses well in the offensive zone. Consistently physically engaged and confident, he doesn’t shy from contact and his defensive-zone techniques are sound, particularly his ability to get under sticks and protect the front of the net. His battle win rate sits around 60% this season, and in this game he logged about 121/2 minutes of ice time, slightly under his 16-minute season average.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images