Small town boy with big league dreams
From a farming community of just 500 people, 15-year-old Will Kelts is emerging as one of Western Canada’s most promising young hockey players.
The Consort, Alberta native, was selected 20th overall by the Kelowna Rockets in Wednesday’s first round of the Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospects Draft. The quiet, confident defenseman was elated by the news, though the pick came as something of a surprise.
“I knew I might go around 16th based on the rankings, so I had a general sense of where I could end up,” Kelts told RocketFAN. “But I hadn’t heard anything from Kelowna before the draft, so it was unexpected – in a good way.”
Kelts was introduced to hockey by his father, Mark, who briefly played in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds and Calgary Hitmen. That early exposure quickly turned into a deep connection with the sport.
“Hockey’s been a part of my life from the start,” he said. “My dad played, so I grew up around the game. I loved it right away and just kept working at it.”
After years of minor hockey in Consort, Kelts made a major life change at 14, relocating first to Wainwright before heading to Edmonton to pursue more competitive opportunities and structured development.
“It’s not common for kids to move away from Consort,” he said. “It was a big shift for my whole family. I’ve been staying with a billet family for the last two years, and they’ve really become like a second family to me.”
Although he was born in nearby Provost, due to Consort lacking a hospital, Kelts remains firmly connected to his agricultural roots. Despite his growing success on the ice, he still helps out on the family grain farm whenever possible.
“We used to raise cattle, so I remember feeding calves when I was younger,” Kelts said. “Now we focus on grain. I usually help out by driving the combine or hauling with the grain cart. I’m not around for seeding — that overlaps with hockey season — but I do what I can when I’m home.”
On the ice, Kelts brings a blend of size, strength, and versatility. He describes his style as physical and dependable, with a focus on contributing in both ends of the rink.
“I’m a big defenseman who plays a full 200-foot game,” he said. “I try to model myself after Mattias Ekholm — someone who’s smart, physical, and consistent.”
While his family has played a key role in his development, Kelts also credits coach Adam Stewart, who has worked with him over the past two seasons.
“He really challenges me to improve,” Kelts said. “He’s been honest with me and has helped a lot of guys get to the next level. I’ve learned a lot from him.”
Though his journey began in a small town, Kelts has his eyes set on a much bigger stage. Following a similar path of NHL legend Patrick Marleau — who came from the equally small community of Aneroid, Saskatchewan (population 25)— Kelts hopes to forge a similar legacy.
“As much as I enjoy working on the farm, my dad always tells me, ‘Don’t come back until you’ve finished what you started,’” Kelts said.
It’s advice he’s taken to heart — and a reminder of the support system behind one of Alberta’s most exciting young prospects.
Comments