Shane Smith Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Getting older and more dynamic up front

Rockets add 20 year-old and Euro in blockbuster trade

Nov 9, 2025 | 5:00 PM

Kelowna Rockets press release:

The Kelowna Rockets have acquired forwards Shane Smith and Vojtech Cihar from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for forward Kayden Longley, prospect Grayson Bauer, a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft (Sas/Reg), a third-round pick in 2027 (Spokane), a fourth-round pick in 2026 (Regina), a conditional fourth-round pick in 2028 (Kelowna), and a sixth-round pick in 2026 (Lethbridge).

Shane Smith, a 20-year-old forward from Cessford, Alberta, joins the Rockets after recording 23 points (12G, 11A) in 20 games this season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The 6’2”, 201-pound winger brings experience and scoring ability to the Rockets’ lineup, having appeared in 223 career WHL games, totalling 138 points (72G, 66A) and 213 penalty minutes. Lethbridge originally acquired Smith from the Medicine Hat Tigers during the 2024–25 season in exchange for goaltender Harrison Meneghin.

Vojtech Cihar, an 18-year-old forward from Chomutov, Czechia, was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round, 59th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft. The 6’0”, 181-pound winger is currently playing professionally with HC Energie Karlovy Vary of the Czech Extraliga, where he has registered five points (2G, 3A) through 20 games this season. Cihar was also selected 38th overall by Lethbridge in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. Internationally, Cihar represented Czechia at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he helped his country earn a silver medal, and at the 2025 World Junior Championship, where he captured bronze.

“This was a significant move for our organization,” said Rockets General Manager Bruce Hamilton. “Smith brings leadership, experience, and a hard-nosed game that will help drive our group. Cihar is a talented forward with elite skill who has already proven himself at the professional and international level.”

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Regan’s Take: Easily the team’s biggest move since the start of the regular season, the deal brings in a veteran overage forward and a two-way player described as a “speedster” by Elite Hockey. Two seasons ago in Medicine Hat, Smith scored 29 goals, showing he has a knack for finding the net, though his game likely mirrors that of captain Carson Wetsch – hardworking at both ends of the ice. Smith was leading the Hurricanes in shots on goal (82) prior to the trade. Cihar began the season playing pro hockey in the Czech Republic, but the Rockets have clearly secured his commitment to come over to North America after the LA Kings selected him high in this past summer’s draft. Under the new rules, teams can now dress three imports, and the Rockets are taking full advantage. Cihar was chosen 20 players after the Pittsburgh Penguins took newly acquired d-man Peyton Kettles off the board. 

In the transaction, Kelowna sends forward Kayden Longley and prospect Grayson Bauer to Lethbridge. Longley, 19, has posted 12 points (5G, 7A) through 15 games with the Rockets this season. Bauer was the Rockets 4th round pick (82nd overall) in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. He currently plays for the Calgary Edge U18 Prep, where he has 2 points in 9 games.

“Kayden has grown tremendously since joining our organization and has been a player we’ve really valued both on and off the ice. Moves like this are never easy, and we thank him for his commitment to the Rockets over the past three seasons. We wish both him and Grayson the best in Lethbridge,” added Hamilton.

With this move being completed, it leaves the Rockets with only one overager spot remaining.