Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

New beginning for proven scorer

‘Bird’ lands in Kelowna as Ty Halaburda makes Rockets debut

Jan 7, 2026 | 12:46 PM

From facing Tij Iginla to playing alongside him. In hockey, arch enemies can become confident colleagues.

Ty Halaburda is a Kelowna Rocket now, and after years of skating into this building wearing Vancouver Giants colours, the 20-year-old forward will finally pull on red and white as the Rockets host the Tri-City Americans.

Halaburda was acquired on Tuesday from Vancouver, along with draft picks, in exchange for defenceman Will Sharpe. It is one of those moves that feels important right away. A proven WHL scorer. A former captain. An overager who understands the urgency of this stage of his career.

And yes, it still feels strange.

“It’s pretty weird,” Halaburda said today speaking with RocketFAN. “But I’m very happy and very fortunate to come to Kelowna. I can’t wait to play tonight and get started.”

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Trade week in the WHL is always unpredictable, and Halaburda sensed the possibility early. Vancouver had already moved its leading point getter, and once that happens, nothing feels guaranteed.

“The trade deadline is a crazy time,” he said. “Anything can happen, and I was kind of prepared for anything.”

Now he arrives in Kelowna with a new team, new linemates, and a new challenge. What has not changed is how he views his game.

“I’m a fast forward,” Halaburda said. “I like to play with an edge. I like to help offensively and do my job on the defensive side.”

That edge has produced results. Halaburda has scored goals everywhere he has played, recording multiple 20 goal seasons over the course of his WHL career. It is something he takes pride in, but not something he feels defines him.

“It’s a big part of my game,” he said. “But I’m still looking to grow as a player and get better every day. Being here in Kelowna is going to be great, surrounding myself with high end players and high end guys.”

He will get that opportunity right away. Halaburda is expected to skate with Carson Wetsch and Dawson Gerwing, a line that on paper already looks difficult to play against.

“I think I can bring some speed to that line,” he said. “Both of those guys have a lot of skill and bigger bodies. If we play with an edge, we can be a tough line to play against.”

Debut nights come with nerves, but Halaburda does not expect it to linger.

“After the first couple of shifts, I think I’ll feel good,” he said. “You talk to your linemates, get comfortable, and just play your game.”

There is also pressure that comes with being acquired by a contending team, especially as a 20 year old.

“Yeah, there’s pressure,” Halaburda admitted. “But that’s the best thing about hockey. You have to perform under pressure. That’s what makes it exciting.”

Halaburda also brings leadership experience, having worn the captain’s C in Vancouver. He is not walking into the room trying to change anything, but he knows what he can offer.

“I think I can bring leadership,” he said. “Just being myself, coming to the rink with a positive attitude, and wanting to get better.”

There is familiarity waiting for him as well. Halaburda and d-man Mazden Leslie entered the league together as 16 year old’s and became close friends over four seasons.

“We became best friends,” Halaburda said. “We talked for about an hour after the trade. I’m really excited to reunite with Maz.”

He believes Leslie’s game has continued to evolve, especially away from the puck.

“He’s really offensively gifted, but he’s improved his all around game so much,” Halaburda said. “He’s harder to play against and more physical now. He’s a great player and a great person.”

Tonight is not just Halaburda’s debut. Defenceman Parker Antos will also play his first game as a Rocket, along with Czech forward Vojtech Cihar, as Kelowna continues to integrate new pieces ahead of the WHL trade deadline.

For Halaburda, the motivation is obvious. As an overager, time matters.

“I want to win the WHL Cup,” he said. “And then the Memorial Cup. We have the team to do it, and I’m really excited about that opportunity.”

Behind the scenes, his support system has remained constant.

“My parents, especially my dad,” Halaburda said. “He’s supported me since I was young. He just wants me to do well.”

The advice he carries with him is simple.

“Come to the rink with a good mindset, work as hard as you can, and do whatever the coaches ask you to do,” he said.

One final note before puck drop. The nickname.

“Bird,” Halaburda said.

Tonight, Bird pulls on a Rockets jersey for the first time.

If his speed and edge show up the way he promises, Kelowna will be hoping this Bird feels right at home and flies just fine.