Kelowna Rockets Hockey Club
Adding more American talent

Rockets add Minnesota product

Jul 13, 2026 | 12:33 PM

Rockets media release:

The Kelowna Rockets have added another talented forward to their prospect group, signing 2007-born winger Cole Braunshausen (pronounced BROWN-how-zen) to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Braunshausen was originally listed by the Rockets during the 2025-26 season and now officially joins the organization after an impressive year in Minnesota.

The 18-year-old right-shot winger from Lake Elmo, Minnesota, stands 5-foot-9 and 176 pounds. He served as captain of St. Thomas Academy last season, putting together a standout campaign with 30 goals and 37 assists for 67 points in just 28 games.

His performance made him one of the top players in Minnesota high school hockey and earned him finalist status for the prestigious Mr. Hockey Award, presented annually to the top senior high school player in the state.

Braunshausen also gained experience at the junior level with the USHL’s Lincoln Stars, recording four goals and two assists in seven regular-season games before adding four points in eight playoff contests.

The Rockets describe Braunshausen as a high-energy player who brings speed, skill and a strong compete level every time he steps on the ice. His game is built around his quickness and hockey sense, allowing him to create offence, find open ice and make plays for his teammates.

He is also known for his willingness to do the little things that help teams win — blocking shots, killing penalties, battling for pucks and quickly transitioning from defence to offence.

Despite not being the biggest player on the ice, Braunshausen plays with plenty of physicality and has earned praise for his work ethic and compete level.

“Cole is the type of player who makes your team better in all three zones,” said Rockets President and General Manager Bruce Hamilton. “He’s quick, he’s smart, and he competes hard every shift. We’re excited to have him in Kelowna.”

Braunshausen becomes the second Rockets forward from Minnesota, joining fellow Minnesotan Ryan Oothoudt on the roster.

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