Photo credit: Rob Wilton

By Regan Bartel

Rough play is in forwards repertoire

‘Petro’ ready to fuel the Kelowna Rockets engine

Jan 15, 2025 | 7:00 AM

He was arguably among the most popular players on the Everett Silvertips roster. 

The fanbase of the WHL’s best team quickly took to social media when they learned that Andrew Petruk (Peh-Truck) was being traded to the Kelowna Rockets. 

The hardnosed forward, who has 23 career fighting majors made an impact on the ice and in the community. 

“The fans there like fighting,” he said with a grin in speaking to RocketFAN after Tuesday’s practice with his new team. “They may have liked me because I was a bit rowdy and my energy on the ice. I grew up with older brothers, so that could be part of it.” 

Never one to back down from a physical confrontation, the 6’3, 200-pound bruiser is a bit of a throwback to the way he plays the game. 

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“I’ve always been a bigger kid,” he added. “I knew that had to be part of my game. I really get into the game, and in my head, I get pretty heated too.” 

With only two fighting majors this season, Petruk knows he has to still play an intimidating style while not taking bad penalties. 

“One-hundred percent,” he said when asked if fighting should remain in the game. “It can change the direction of the game. Showing you will stick up for teammates and be there for them and watch their back, it makes the team so much closer. I think the energy of the games, if you are low on energy, I think it should be part of the game.” 

Beneath his tough exterior lies a compassionate side. Known as ‘Petro’ to his teammates, Petruk took part in a clothing drive for domestic violence victims in the Everett, Washington area, a cause his mother is also involved with in nearby Surrey.

“We filled up a locker room of clothing, socks and blankets donated by fans,” he said with a smile. “We ended up buying a section of seats at the arena for families of domestic violence so they could see their first Western Hockey League game. It makes me happy to be doing good for others.” 

Originally listed by the Red Deer Rebels as a 16-year-old but eventually dropped, Petruk attended Tips training camp as an invite and made the team. 

“In Everett, you have to play what they call it – Everett hockey. Everett hockey is hard work ethic and all the things you see from the team that makes them so good.” 

Making his WHL debut with the Tips September 24, 2022, his first goal would also come against the Giants, at home, in a 4-1 win. 

“It took me a while to get that one,” he said with a grin after going 50 games without finding the back of the net. “Once I got that one, it is one of the best memories that I have. The only problem is I got hurt and didn’t make it out of that game but it was a long wait to get it.” 

Ahead of his home debut tonight with the Kelowna Rockets against the Spokane Chiefs (104-7 The Lizard will have the pre-game show at 6:35 pm, and play-by-play at 7:05 pm), Petruk was asked what advice his parents gave him when he found out about the trade.

“They just said, go out and do your thing and be yourself.”