Photo credit: Ed Fonger Photography

By Regan Bartel

Mr. Big and Tall

‘I am grateful to be here’ – Rockets forward Dawson Gerwing

Jan 9, 2025 | 6:00 AM

Dawson Gerwing is coming to the big city, so to speak.

Acquired from the Swift Current Broncos in a Western Hockey League trade Tuesday afternoon, the 6’3″, 227-pound winger is thrilled to be a new member of the Kelowna Rockets. 

After spending two seasons in the South Saskatchewan community of 18,000, Gerwing knows it will take some adjusting to life in Kelowna (population 153,000) where he’ll be skating in front of crowds often twice as large. 

“It’s a beautiful spot here,” he said, wide-eyed. “On top of that, they are building something special for the next couple of years. To be a part of that, it’s pretty special, and I don’t know if there’s a better spot.”

Gerwing admitted it was “obviously shocking” to be traded, with the Rockets sending European defenseman Marek Rocak to the Eastern Division team. “I enjoyed my time with the Broncos, and met many great people, but I am super excited about getting going with the Rockets because they have a pretty good thing going on here.” 

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That ‘pretty good thing’ includes hosting the Memorial Cup in 2026, and Gerwing is fully aware that he’ll be playing hockey in May of next season. 

“It’s always tough [being traded], because you make so many great relationships,” he confessed. “Especially when leaving behind teammates and the people within the community, but on the other hand, I have this great opportunity.” 

Born in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, and later moving to Saskatoon, Gerwing understands what it’s like to play in both small and large cities. 

“At times you weren’t that busy or there wasn’t much to do, but I can’t thank the [Swift Current] fanbase enough. They were great, passionate fans and they do support their team there. They aren’t a very large community, but in the playoffs last year, that was memorable for me. It was a sold-out rink. It was the loudest building I’ve ever been in.” 

Surprisingly well-spoken, despite admitting he didn’t do many media interview during his 69 games with the Broncos, RocketFAN asked the big, burly forward about his playing style. 

“I’m a power forward,” he said without hesitation, signaling a clear self-awareness. “I like to get in opponents faces. I take pride in being hard to play against. I try to put the puck in the back of the net from time to time. I’ve been working on my scoring touch, and that has come a long way.” 

Gerwing, a third-round bantam prospect of the Broncos in 2021, already has more goals (6) and points (10) this season than he did in 42 games with the Broncos last year. 

“I do what I can, get to the net, and score some goals, and be the player that a coach can trust in any situation. I’ve never had a problem with playing soft. It’s how I’ve done it since I started playing, and that’s how I plan to keep doing it—to be a game-changer. You can be effective in a game. It doesn’t have to be on the scoresheet. It’s another tool to play physical.” 

Gerwing credits his dad, a principal, for his guidance and encouragement. “There are times I can remember, being a little boy, he wasn’t too happy with me,” he said with a sheepish grin. “Maybe the effort wasn’t there? I did something dirty? He lets me know, but my dad always showed he cared, and when I did something well or great, he was there to show me he cared and was proud of me. So, it’s nice for someone in my life to give me honest feedback.” 

Wearing the same number he did while playing in Swift Current (#18), Gerwing acknowledges that adjusting to new teammates won’t be easy at first, but he’s eager to settle in. 

“I’ve been playing with the same guys, Connor Gabriel, my old line-mate for two years, but there are great hockey players everywhere,” he added.  

“It’s going to be fun meeting new guys, playing with new guys, and forming the same bonds I did with teammates in Swift Current.”