Photo credit: RocketFAN

By Regan Bartel

Building tomorrow, winning today

Terry McFaul: Helping shape Rockets from prospects to playoff contenders

Sep 8, 2025 | 6:00 AM

The Kelowna Rockets are chasing wins this season. Every puck drop, every shift, every play is a test of skill, toughness, and leadership. This year’s team is older, more experienced, and built to grind out victories in a race where mistakes can cost you.

For Terry McFaul, the Rockets’ longtime director of player personnel, it is a balancing act. After more than 30 years with the organization, he has helped shape countless players who have worn the jersey. Normally, his focus is on the future—drafting teenagers and projecting who might become difference-makers. This season, he is watching both sides, hoping budding prospects get ice time while expecting veterans to help the team win now.

“We made some really good deals at the end of last year, and we gave up some assets to get some very valuable assets back, and we are confident in our group now. Hopefully, things keep rolling the right way,” McFaul said.

Two first-round draft picks were moved to add experienced players. One went to the Calgary Hitmen, another to the Vancouver Giants. The Giants received Kelowna’s 2028 first-rounder, while Calgary got the 2027 pick.

“They are always tough to trade away,” McFaul said. “Bruce [Hamilton] and Curtis [Hamilton] have done a really good job of collecting assets. We have lots of assets in the cupboard, and if we make deals, we are not going to get hurt like we did in the past. We will be strong for a few years down the road here. Our depth chart is really good. We have had good drafts the last three years in a row, and all those kids have improved and stepped up and played, so we are confident with the group we have coming along.”

The lost art of true sports storytelling

Why athlete stories should never fade

Jul 22, 2025

One call, one commitment

Luke Schenn's call, Mazden Leslie's answer

Jul 19, 2025

Is the NCAA grass really greener?

WHL's grit and grind is unmatched

Jul 10, 2025

Another first-rounder went to the Moose Jaw Warriors for the top pick in the CHL Import Draft, giving the Rockets the rights to New York Islanders prospect Tomas Poletin from Czechia.

Leslie and Wetsch Carry the Present

While McFaul often looks ahead, players like Mazden Leslie and Carson Wetsch are driving the team now.

Leslie, acquired from the Giants, has been on McFaul’s radar since bantam hockey. Drafted in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft, he quickly became one of the league’s best young blueliners.

“I remember him well. We really liked him and weren’t fortunate enough to get him. I think he was a steal of a deal for a first-round pick. He was talking to the young guys and helping them out. You can’t put a price on that type of player,” McFaul said.

Leslie was a first-team all-star last season and a nominee for defenseman of the year after finishing second in scoring among blueliners. “You just don’t find guys that are that offensively minded, and he is such a good team guy,” McFaul added.

Wetsch, meanwhile, arrived from Calgary this summer. McFaul had followed him for years. Drafted in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, he was the 12th overall pick.

“He was always very good. He was highly coveted as a 14-year-old in the bantam draft. We really liked him, but unfortunately we didn’t get a shot at him. He can do it all. He can play up and down your lineup. He is a great, great teammate,” McFaul said.

That same 2021 draft saw Tij Iginla, a possible linemate, go ninth overall to Seattle. The Rockets didn’t pick until the third round, selecting defenseman Gabriel Guilbault.

Playing Heavy and Playing Smart

McFaul is clear about the style the Rockets want this season.

“The bigger guys can all skate. They can all play. They can all move the puck. I like the small guys too, but you have to be skilled and exceptional. Bigger is better to me. Playing hard and heavy. We want to get back to where we used to be where teams don’t want to get off the bus to play in Kelowna.”

The Challenge Ahead

This season is about balance. Young prospects learning the ropes, veterans setting the tone, and the whole roster fighting for points in a tight race.

For McFaul, it is the challenge he thrives on—shaping the future while watching the present roster compete. With Leslie, Wetsch, and others stepping up, the Rockets are a team to watch. Every shift is a chance to make an impact, and every game matters.