Photo credit: Brian Johnson

By Regan Bartel

Will Sharpe targets redemption

Sharpe Edges: Kings prospect eyes growth with Rockets

Aug 30, 2025 | 6:00 AM

Will Sharpe’s first full season with the Kelowna Rockets is shaping up to be one of opportunity, expectation, and unfinished business. The 18-year-old defenceman arrived in Kelowna from the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the trade deadline, and now he faces a season where personal growth and team goals collide.

“When you look at the big picture, we want to sweep it under the carpet,” Sharpe said of last season, when the Rockets finished with the third-worst record in the WHL, winning just 18 games. “Last year didn’t go as planned in the second half, and I think we take the pieces that help us improve from that. We know what it feels like to lose. Bring that into this season, it is going to push the guys a lot more to strive for more wins.”

Last season was a test of resilience. Sharpe’s year ended on March 23rd in a 5-1 loss in Vancouver, while the Hurricanes — the very team that traded him — went on a deep playoff run before falling to league champion Medicine Hat.

“Some of my best buddies are still there playing on that team. I was watching to support them,” he admitted. “Being in Kelowna is where I want to be. It is a great opportunity for myself with a big year ahead hosting the Memorial Cup, so I’m super excited.”

Individually, Sharpe had reason to celebrate. In June, the Los Angeles Kings drafted him in the seventh round, a milestone that confirmed his potential and validated the work he has put in since entering the WHL.

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“There was a lot of mixed emotions the entire day,” he recalled. “It was a long one for sure, a very stressful day, but at the end of the day hearing your name called in the draft is pretty special. It was a big moment for me and my family. I can’t thank them enough and everyone here in this organization for helping me get through the last half of last year.”

His draft day success led to a development camp in Los Angeles, where he joined 12 other defensemen competing for attention and opportunity.

“I have been down to LA before. It is an unreal place to live and an unbelievable place to play. I have family members that live around the area, so it was nice,” Sharpe said.

The four-day camp gave him a glimpse of life at the next level — structured, fast-paced, and intense. He even rubbed shoulders with a future Hall of Famer.

“Drew Doughty was around,” Sharpe said, his voice lighting up. “I had a couple of conversations with him. It was eye-opening for sure. I have been watching him since I can remember, and I will be getting onto the ice with the pros in the next couple of weeks, so it should be exciting.”

Comparisons to Doughty are flattering but premature, and Sharpe is quick to note the distinction.

“I don’t think I can compare myself to Drew Doughty. I guess legend. Just watching the NHL, a guy like Seattle Kraken Vince Dunn is someone I compare myself to. Similar playing style. Similar build.”

Dunn can skate, and Sharpe can wheel too, a player capable of joining the rush and generating offense while staying reliable on his own end. Sharpe knows that versatility will define his next step in the WHL.

“I have to stay confident in my abilities,” he said. “I want the puck on my stick. I like to make plays, but the main focus for me this year is to really dig in on the defensive side. It will go a long way for me through the season. It’s a long season, and to make it to the next level you can’t be a one-way guy. I have to dig in this year.”

In Kelowna, Sharpe will lean on a coaching staff well-versed in guiding young defenders. Longtime head coach Don Hay and assistant Josh Gorges, a former NHL defenceman, are already shaping the way he approaches the game.

“We have a great staff with Josh and Hayzer, who have been helping out the back end, and it has been great working with them so far, d-specific stuff, so that should help me,” Sharpe noted.

The Rockets also added veteran presence on the blue line in the form of 20-year-old Vancouver Giants captain Mazden Leslie.

“Maz is a great player. Playing against him and watching from afar, in different divisions when I was in Lethbridge, he is one heck of a player, so it will be exciting to get on the ice with him this year.”

Together, Sharpe and Leslie could be key pieces on the Rockets’ power play, an area that struggled last season, converting at just 18 percent. There is hope that their combined skill can turn frustration into execution.

While the long-term goal remains the NHL, the immediate focus is clear: prepare for May 2026, when Kelowna hosts the Memorial Cup.

“I think it is every CHL player’s dream to play in the Memorial Cup,” Sharpe said. “The easiest day is today. We have to dig in for the whole ten months. We know we are going to be playing games in May, so it’s about building and growing as a group throughout the season and by the time the tournament rolls around, we will be clicking, flowing, and looking pretty good going into it.”

For Will Sharpe, the work begins now. Every practice, every drill, every game is a chance to build, improve, and make the most of an opportunity he knows doesn’t come twice.