By Regan Bartel

2025-2026 puck drop quickly approaching

Rockets open season vs. Chiefs

Jun 4, 2025 | 1:09 PM

Kelowna Rockets press release:

The Kelowna Rockets are pleased to announce that the club will open the 2025-26 WHL regular season on home ice against the Spokane Chiefs on Friday, September 19, at 7:05 PM at Prospera Place.

This marks just the third time in franchise history that the Rockets will face Spokane in a home opener, with both previous matchups producing identical scorelines — 4–3 in overtime.

Regan’s Take: The puck hasn’t even dropped yet, and it already feels like one of the longest off-seasons in franchise history. After missing the playoffs for just the third time ever in 2024-25, you can bet the returning players are counting down the days until they get back on the ice—especially with this being the team’s 30th season in the Okanagan.

And let’s be real: with the 2026 Memorial Cup coming to town, there’s no flying under the radar. They will be playing in May, but sneaking in through the back door isn’t the mindset. This is full throttle—win at all costs.

No panic, just picks

Inside the Rockets war room - calm, cool and carded

May 11, 2025

Roster changes and renovations

Things that make me go hmm...

Apr 01, 2025

Playing with passion amid losing record

Things that make me go hmm...

Mar 18, 2025

Off the ice, there’s lots happening too. A new coach is on the way, and don’t be surprised if a couple more names are added to the mix after the CHL Import Draft. Teams are now allowed three imports instead of two, which is a change from last season when Jakub Stancl and Marek Rocak held those spots. Neither of them will be back as 20-year-olds.

The new season’s still a few months away, but trust me – there’s already plenty of work going on behind the scenes to make this one unforgettable.

The most recent meeting came in the 2019-20 season opener, where Dillon Hamaliuk scored the overtime winner to lift the Rockets to a 4–3 victory. The first such matchup occurred in the 1996-97 season, with Spokane earning a 4–3 overtime win.

With the series tied at one game apiece, this year’s opener promises to deliver another memorable night at Prospera Place.

The Rockets’ full 2025-26 regular season schedule will be announced later in June.