Played on Jan 7, 2026
Game Played in Prospera Place
General Game Notes: With three players making their Kelowna debut and two returning from the WJC, the energized hometown Rockets got out to 4-0 lead in the first period and didn’t look back winning 5-2 over the Tri City Americans. Tij Iginla led the way scoring twice while Parker Alcos, Mazden Leslie, Connor Pankratz and Tomas Poletin added singles. Harrison Boettiger got win the win in goal stopping 28 shots.
Keith McInnis (D, L, 6’1″, 197, Kelowna Rockets, 01/08/2006, Minnesota Duluth)
Game Rating
A-
McInnis is a highly skilled defenseman who excels at both ends of the ice. He possesses excellent mobility and a physical edge that allows him to effectively transition between offense and defense. On defense, he is quick to read plays and stays tight on top of opponents, making it difficult for them to create scoring chances. Offensively, he combines good hands, excellent vision, and consistent decision-making to deliver timely outlet passes or carry the puck himself. McInnis’s well-rounded skill set makes him a valuable asset on both the power play and penalty kill. He excels at maintaining defensive responsibility while also being willing to carry the puck when opportunities arise. His physicality and competitive nature make him a force to be reckoned with in front of the net. Overall, he projects as a dependable two-way defenseman who will be an impact player at the university level.
1 Viewing
Comments: McInnis is a dependable two-way driver for the Rockets who logged a team-high 26+ minutes in this game, handling heavy responsibilities on both the power play and penalty kill; he delivers true 200-foot value. His skating is mobile and quick and his hands and puck skills are of the same high level, enabling him to quarterback the attack, make clean exits, and move pucks efficiently under pressure. Coupled with very good vision and on-ice awareness let him find seams and create plays, while his willingness to play physically and push back in scrums adds an edge to his game. Overall he’s a high-end player who consistently impacts all phases and is a key, reliable contributor for the Rockets.
Parker Alcos (D, R, 6’3″, 181, Kelowna Rockets, 07/20/2006)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Alcos impressed in his Rockets debut, a 6’3′ right-shot defenseman who plays a high-end, reliable 200-foot game; he defends physically and with excellent positioning, consistently taking away space in the neutral zone and shutting down chances along the walls in the defensive zone with physicality. He logged 21+ minutes in a top-four role including important penalty kill time. His skating and mobility stood out — confident first steps and the range to join or lead the breakout — he showed willingness to carry pucks out of the zone and/or jump into the play as an extra attacker. Offensively he was active at the offensive blue line, notably jumping down into the slot showing a good release for a goal. He displayed strong on-ice vision and pre-scan awareness, routinely making the simple and subtle plays, Overall projects as a dependable, two-way top-four rearguard who can eat minutes, kill penalties, and chip in offensively.
Ty Halaburda (LW, R, 5’11”, 190, Kelowna Rockets, 04/22/2005, Colorado College)
Game Rating
A-
Halaburda’s skill set makes him a valuable asset to Vancouver’s top line and special teams units. He excels as a skater, possessing good speed and ability to maintain puck possession under pressure. His advanced puck skills and sharp instincts allow him to be a dual threat, setting up teammates or scoring himself. His willingness to battle in front of the net and strong defensive positioning contribute to his well-rounded game. Halaburda effectively utilizes his stick to disrupt plays and demonstrates a solid understanding of his role on both offense and defense. With continued development, he has the potential to make an impact at the next level.
1 Viewing
Comments: Halaburda is a high-end two-way contributor for the Rockets, logging 20+ minutes in this, his first game, while playing on the top power play and the second penalty killing unit, showing true impact at both ends. An excellent skater with high end top-end speed and strong edges, he wins puck battles (60% success in this game), consistently works through traffic, and competes hard for loose pucks-willing to go to heavy areas and push back physically. He’s dependable on the defensive zone coverage, staying below the puck until possession is secured, and his faceoff game (about 55% success rate, matching his season average) adds value in key situations. Offensively he’s dangerous around the net and in congestion, combining excellent vision with the ability to make plays and create chances, making him a reliable matchup piece in all situations.
Vojtech Cihar (LW, L, 6’0″, 180, Kelowna Rockets, 03/29/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Cihar made an immediate, all-purpose impact in his WHL debut for the Rockets, showing a steady, reliable two-way game and the tools to contribute in all situations; defensively he reads play well as the high man in the offensive zone, backtracks hard through the neutral zone, wins the race to the middle in his own end and is effective on the PK, while offensively he logs power-play minutes and displays good instincts both with and without the puck—darting into open holes and creating chances. His skating is a clear standout: rapid acceleration to a high top speed, excellent edges and mobility that make him difficult to dislodge along the boards. He proved willing to battle through traffic to make plays, as he did on one occasion behind the goal line, then finding a teammate diving through the slot who finished for a goal. He shows playmaking vision, though he occasionally attempts passes that aren’t there, and his shot lacks heavy velocity—adding overall strength and a harder release would round out his game and elevate his offensive upside. Overall, he projects as a very dependable, mobile and versatile forward, who can be a key penalty killer, drive transition and chip in on the power play while continuing to develop his shot and physical presence.
Dylan Lebret (D, R, 6’1″, 181, Tri-City Americans, 03/15/2007, Maine)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Lebret is a reliable, mobile defenseman with good skating and puck skills who shows poise making plays. He projects as a steady, low-risk defender rather than a flashy playmaker, quite good on the walls in the defensive zone with strong hits and effective pinning showing good quickness in small spaces, and he uses sound box-out technique net-front; he is stick strong in battles with a notable overall 60% success battle rate on the season. He provides power-play value from the bumper on the second unit and, would move pucks and then jump in quickly, adding a second or third layer on the attack. Overall, a dependable two-way option that can provide additional minutes chipping in on the penalty kill and power play.
Jaxen Adam (D, L, 6’4″, 214, Tri-City Americans, 08/19/2007)
Game Rating
B
Adam is a physically gifted left-shot defenseman with a well-rounded skill set. He excels in his ability to cover down-low defensive zones and engage in puck battles due to his size, mobility, and strong technique for retrieving pucks. His smooth skating allows him to defend proactively in the neutral zone and maintain positionally sound coverage in the defensive zone. He is an effective first passer with good puck skills and occasional offensive pop, as demonstrated by a goal where he spun off a checker and buried the rebound. Adam’s ability to absorb contact and make efficient outlet plays makes him a reliable defenseman on the penalty kill. Overall, his steady play and physicality make him a valuable contributor at both ends of the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Adam is a big, physical 6’4′ defenseman who plays with consistent physicality and compete every shift, making his presence felt; he skates well and pairs good mobility with good puck skills and poise, able to carry the puck out of trouble, make calm decisions through traffic, and buy time for teammates to get open. He defends both with the body and an effective stick, using his wingspan to block passing lanes and disrupt plays, and shows the confidence and composure to avoid panic under pressure. In this game he logged 15+ minutes and provided dependable minutes on the second penalty kill, projecting as a reliable, stay-at-home defensive option who can move the puck and contribute on special teams.
Cruz Pavao (C, R, 5’11”, 201, Tri-City Americans, 08/24/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Pavao is a physically gifted right winger with excellent skating abilities, showcasing solid edge control and top-end speed. He excels at operating in tight spaces and can be difficult for defenders to dispossess the puck. On the forecheck, Pavao demonstrates notable strength and effectiveness, engaging in board battles and making himself available for plays. While his puck skills are reliable, there is room for improvement in terms of decision-making and creating opportunities from within the crease. To take his game to the next level, Pavao will need to work on becoming more proactive in driving towards the net-front areas. With continued refinement, he has the potential to establish himself as a dependable two-way middle-six option.
1 Viewing
Comments: Pavao is a hard-working 5’11’ right winger who brought energy every shift and logged top-six minutes (19+ TOI) in this game; a strong skater with very good top-end speed, he was dangerous on the attack-able to challenge and beat defensemen with good puck skills, drive opponents wide and then attack the middle. He’s reliable in all situations, playing on the top penalty-killing unit and the second power-play unit; on the PP he serves as the late man on the breakout, using his skating and puck-navigation at the blue line to find space through traffic. Overall he projects as a high-effort, versatile middle-six option who can contribute in special teams and create chances off transition.
Cash Koch (C, L, 5’11”, 197, Tri-City Americans, 03/31/2007, New Hampshire)
Game Rating
B
Koch excels with a physical edge, consistently challenging opponents and providing noticeable energy on the forecheck. He handles the puck competently and can make plays when space is given. Koch’s game stands out for its relentlessness and willingness to defend himself or teammates. While he showed promise as a secondary contributor, logging significant time on the power-play unit, his defensive reads in the zone require improvement. A more controlled approach would help him better manage the puck in defensive situations. Overall, Koch is a competitive, hard-nosed winger with potential for playmaking upside if he refines his defensive game.
1 Viewing
Comments: Koch is a high-energy, hard-nosed forward who brings hard work and a physical presence every shift — opponents know when he’s on the ice. He competes fiercely along the walls and consistently wins loose-puck battles, and while his stride isn’t elite he shows very good top-end speed and tight-space quickness that allow him to pressure defenders and close lanes effectively. His heavy, committed forecheck creates turnovers and forces opposing defensemen into difficult plays, and that physical, motor-driven game has translated into offensive contributions as well, earning him time on the top power-play unit. In this outing he played a steady 21+ minutes, demonstrating the stamina and coachability to handle significant minutes in all situations.
Connor Dale (C, L, 6’2″, 186, Tri-City Americans, 01/29/2005)
Game Rating
B+
This player possesses a well-rounded skill set, particularly on the offensive end. He is able to utilize his size effectively to detach from defenders and drive towards the net. His puck skills are notable, allowing him to finish around the net and thrive in tight spaces. He also displays good playmaking instincts, often accelerating through the slot to draw defenders and set up teammates for scoring opportunities. However, areas for improvement include consistency in board battles and 50/50 situations, where he struggled to gain an advantage. Despite this, his ability to create scoring chances and compete with his linemates is a strength.
1 Viewing
Comments: Dale is an impact forward whose standout trait is elite skating – excellent top-end speed and explosive quickness off the mark, regularly using sharp crossovers to create separation. He’s a offensive threat driving attack, pairing those skating tools with very good puck skills to terrorize defenders in transition and on the rush; his speed and timing were evident on a goal where he was equal with a defender at centre ice, then blew by him and finished five-hole. He competes hard on loose-puck races, gets in on the forecheck and will finish on the body, though his puck-battle win rate (~45% this season) is slightly below what you’d expect from a player with his size and instincts. In this game he led the forwards with 22:00 TOI and was a key contributor on both the top power play and penalty kill, and he’s producing at just over a point per game this season.
Carter Savage (D, L, 6’3″, 202, Tri-City Americans, 02/05/2005)
Game Rating
B
Carter Savage is a solid defensive defenseman who consistently demonstrates strong body positioning and defensive awareness. He excels in maintaining his position during puck battles and one-on-one attacks, showcasing his ability to read the play. His pre-scanning skills allow him to make efficient plays down the ice, while his passing technique enables smooth transitions. While his offense is limited, Savage’s steady presence on the ice was evident, particularly in his defensive contributions.
1 Viewing
Comments: Savage is a 6’2′ left-shot defenseman who consistently logs heavy, reliable minutes and brings a defense-first mindset to every shift; he skated 21+ minutes in this game (second among defenders) and is regularly first over the boards to kill penalties. A strong, mobile skater with good feet, he defends aggressively in the neutral zone, plays physical in his own end, and excels in board battles and corner work — his hit and pin technique combined with a ~60% battle-win rate underline that strength. He handles the puck cleanly and is a steady, effective puck-mover rather than an offensive playmaker, offering coaches dependable, no-nonsense minutes night after night.
Crew Martinson (C, R, 6’2″, 187, Tri-City Americans, 04/20/2009)
Game Rating
B
Crew Martinson is a physically gifted forward with good mobility and speed for his size, showcasing effective skating mechanics and puck skills. He displays a quick release and vision on the ice, making him an asset in tight spaces and board battles. With a strong work ethic and competitive drive, Martinson excels at both the power play and penalty kill. However, he needs to improve his technique to win puck battles consistently. Martinson’s defense is highly regarded for its age, as he maintains position through cycles, stays below in pile ups, and uses a stop-and-start approach to defend effectively. He also shows quickness in puck races and is willing to take a hit to make a play. With high hockey IQ and strong skating skills, Martinson has clear upside and the potential to advance to the next level.
1 Viewing
Comments: Martinson is a versatile 2009 prospect who plays reliable minutes for the Americans and is trusted in all situations — top power play, second penalty kill— showing he can impact the game offensively and defensively; his skating is good with decent top-end speed and tight-space maneuverability, though mechanical refinement would raise his upside, and his strong puck skills and poise allow him to create offensive opportunities. His awareness was on display in this game, when he jumped into an opening net front and one timed a puck top shelf for a goal, to get his team back in the game. He competes physically, will engage in scrums and reliably uses his body, stick and reach to block lanes on the penalty kill, projecting as a multi-role forward who can effectively contribute on special teams and finish around the net.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images