Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Help coming from overseas

Kelowna Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton calls Kettles injury ‘a major blow’

Nov 19, 2025 | 6:00 AM

The Kelowna Rockets were riding a wave of optimism after recent roster moves, but the team suffered a major setback Tuesday with the announcement that defenseman Peyton Kettles will be lost for the remainder of the regular season. The Penguins’ draft pick is scheduled for shoulder surgery in Pittsburgh on Friday, leaving the Rockets to fill a critical hole on the blue line.

The setback comes as the Rockets prepare to host the Edmonton Oil Kings tonight at Prospera Place. Fans can catch the pre-game show at 6:35 p.m. on 104-7 The Lizard or stream the game live at RocketFAN.ca.

“He’s going to have to undergo surgery, and that’s a real blow that we probably are going to have to address,” Rockets general manager Bruce Hamilton told RocketFAN shortly after the news broke. “Similar to what we did to get him — and we wanted him badly. It’s really disappointing for all of us. He’s going to have surgery on Friday in Pittsburgh and repair it. The goal is to make sure we get him back for the latter part of the playoffs and the Memorial Cup. That one stings, and defence is really hard to get right now at the level we want.”

Hamilton said that medical information provided during the trade process did not indicate the full extent of Kettles’ injury.

“Since he’s been here and got hurt, the injury became worse. Our doctors have now dug into it and, you know, there’s more to the movie than was presented. So I just got to be careful what I say.”

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The focus now shifts to recovery, with Hamilton emphasizing long-term priorities over short-term gains.

“With a case like this, he’s a young man and an elite athlete. If he continues to play, the damage only gets worse — and he really can’t play. You’ve got to get it fixed, and that’s what they’ll do. We will make him rehab like he’s never rehabbed before to get back stronger and better.”

While Kettles’ absence leaves a notable gap, Hamilton is optimistic about incoming roster additions. European forward Vojtech Cihar, acquired along with 20-year-old Shane Smith in the trade with Lethbridge, could join the team before Christmas.

“The addition of Shane Smith will help solidify our top six for sure. And with the acquisition of Cihar, we’re hoping to get him before Christmas — otherwise after the World Juniors. Los Angeles, who drafted him, are very interested in him coming. I think that’s a real positive.”

Hamilton expects Cihar to make an immediate impact.

“He’s going to come in and play in our top six. At the World Juniors, I’m assuming he’ll play with Tomas Poletin. There should be some chemistry, and I think he’s going to be a pretty dynamic player.”

Looking at the Rockets’ overall progress, Hamilton believes the team is heading in the right direction despite significant roster turnover and a mostly new coaching staff.

“I think we’re trending in the right direction. With the amount of changeover in players we’ve added to the group, it’s taken a while. And the coaching staff is all new too, except for the head coach. But I think we’re coming.”

Hamilton did not shy away from addressing the team’s struggles at home.

“Our home record has been terrible, and that’s something we’ve got to fix.”

On the positive side, the team has points in 8 of its last 9 (5-1-3-0) and the goaltending tandem of Josh Panini and Harrison Boettiger has been a stabilizing force for the Rockets.

“Our goaltending has fallen into place. I think both Banini and Boettiger have been really good, and they’re only going to get better.”

Despite the challenges, Hamilton remains confident in the Rockets’ ultimate goal: hosting and competing for the 2026 Memorial Cup.

“We’re not in it just to host it. We’re in it to win it.”