Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

A final WHL season with big expectations

Mazden Leslie’s fresh start

Oct 6, 2025 | 6:00 AM

Mazden Leslie is one of the new faces on the Kelowna Rockets roster this year, but he’s not exactly a stranger to fans around the league. The 20-year-old defenseman is entering his fifth and final WHL season after spending four years with the Vancouver Giants. This summer, Leslie’s career took a sharp turn when he was traded to the Rockets for a first-round pick. At the time of the move, Leslie had told the Giants he planned on heading the NCAA route rather than return as a 20-year-old. But Kelowna hosting the 2026 Memorial Cup changed his mind.

“Yeah, definitely still happy with that,” Leslie said about the trade. “I think it’s gonna be great.”

For Leslie, leaving Vancouver was bittersweet.

“It was tough. I was there for a long time, but a new place is always good.”

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The difference between Vancouver and Kelowna is striking.

“No one was too worried about what the Giants were doing there in terms of winning and losing games,” he admitted. “Some nights on a Tuesday, you wouldn’t even get that many fans. Here, there’s obviously more season ticket holders. Even at the season ticket barbecue, there were a lot.”

Playing in Vancouver also meant long commutes.

“We lived in Tsawwassen, practiced in Ladner, which was close, but Tsawwassen to Langley for games was 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. We’d leave at 2:30 for a 7 o’clock game.”

Kelowna is a different setup. Smaller city, tighter community, and an arena that has hosted plenty of big games. That’s exactly the environment Leslie was looking for. It’s a place where the hockey culture and fan support are noticeable every time the Rockets hit the ice.

It helps that he isn’t the only new face in the dressing room.

“It’s good having a couple of new guys. There’s actually quite a few. It makes it a little easier because they’re in the same situation as you.”

From Rookie to Leader

Now in his overage season, Leslie admits it feels different walking into camp.

“You feel kind of right in with the group,” he said. Part of that responsibility is mentoring younger players, who can be wide-eyed at their first WHL arenas. “It’s nice to see it in a different light. Some of the younger guys haven’t even been to some of the WHL arenas.”

Leslie also remembers being that 15-year-old rookie.

“You’re just playing hockey, trying to score. The main difference now is figuring out the whole game,” he said, pointing to the growth that comes with experience.

A Breakout Year

Last season was Leslie’s best. He was a finalist for WHL Defenseman of the Year, producing at a level that turned heads across the league.

“It was cool to be nominated. Being recognized by the GMs and coaches who watch you all the time is always nice.”

When asked why he was able to put up the numbers he did, Leslie credited the system.

“The way we played in Vancouver helped me. Just getting the puck up and using the points played into my strengths.”

One of those strengths is getting pucks through to the net.

“I think doing less makes it easier and probably a better chance in the end,” he explained. It’s a skill he’s refined over several seasons, knowing when to move and when to let the play develop naturally.

Calm, Confident, Ready

Leslie’s calm demeanor comes from confidence with the puck.

“I feel at my best when I have the puck. That’s my strength.”

That doesn’t mean he isn’t critical of himself.

“In Vancouver, we watched every game with the d-men. It was nice not being too hard on it, just seeing what I’m supposed to be doing.” The self-discipline has helped Leslie refine his game, reading the ice better and making smarter decisions under pressure.

Pro Goals and Memorial Cup Dreams

This fall, Leslie returned to Vegas for the Golden Knights training camp.

“It was familiar with the staff. Honestly, it’s almost easier because there are guys better than you. You just get the puck and give it, and it flows.”

That experience sharpened his focus for Kelowna.

“You see those guys, they execute everything. Every pass isn’t just a pass—it’s to create a scoring chance.”

In his final WHL season, Leslie wants two things: a pro contract and a chance to win the Memorial Cup. Hosting the tournament gives him and his teammates a unique opportunity to showcase their talents on home ice.

“Yeah, for sure,” he said when asked if he expects big things from himself.

For Leslie, this season is about proving he belongs at the next level, taking on a leadership role in Kelowna, and helping the Rockets chase the biggest prize in junior hockey.