By Regan Bartel

Tough loss on blue line

Rockets d-man undergoes surgery

Nov 18, 2025 | 12:35 PM

Rockets Media Release:

The Kelowna Rockets announced today that defenseman Peyton Kettles will be out indefinitely after sustaining a shoulder injury.

Kettles is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery on Friday in Pittsburgh, where he will be treated by the Pittsburgh Penguins medical staff. The Rockets will provide further updates on his status and recovery timeline as they become available.

The Kelowna Rockets medical team, led by Dr. Mike Bobyn and Dr. Lane Dielwart, has worked closely with the Pittsburgh Penguins medical staff throughout Peyton’s evaluation and treatment planning. As he begins his recovery, the Rockets medical group, including Head Athletic Therapist Scott Hoyer, will remain heavily involved to support and guide his rehabilitation alongside the Penguins specialists.

“We’re wishing Peyton a full and successful recovery,” said Rockets General Manager Bruce Hamilton. “He is an important part of our future. Our focus now is supporting him throughout his rehab and ensuring he returns healthy and strong.”

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Regan’s Take: This is a tough loss, considering Kettles was supposed to be the anchor that stabilized the defensive side of the Rockets’ game. After playing just three games, the team suddenly has a significant hole to fill, and replacing a player with his size, poise, and pedigree won’t be easy. Do you even find someone in that age group who’s available? Kettles was a two-year guy. And you have to wonder: was he damaged goods before he was even moved by Swift Current? He missed a good chunk of Penguins training camp with shoulder issues, and now this. It’s a fair question, and it’s one the Rockets must answer quickly with the deadline months away but the season very much rolling on.