Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Mature mindset for second year player

Rockets forward Kalder Varga on creativity and confidence

Dec 8, 2025 | 6:00 AM

The Kelowna Rockets are starting to hit their stride this season, and forward Kalder Varga has been a big part of it. The team has been winning on the road, scoring goals from all over the lineup, and Varga’s play shows why the Rockets aren’t a one-player team.

“We’ve got a lot of good players that we’re building with, and our line combinations are really clicking,” Varga says. “We’re finding the puck to go in the net, so we’re continuing to get better.”

Part of why the team is playing well, Varga says, is the schedule.

“We’re getting into a more dense schedule, playing more games as a team. At the start of the year, you’d play one game and then have a week of practice. Now we’re getting used to the rhythm of playing more often and gelling with each other.”

Being around talented teammates also pushes Varga to improve.

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“When you’re with better players, there are better minds and better instincts. You’re reading off each other and trying to get the puck in the net. It challenges you to be better every day,” he says.

Varga himself has been more aggressive this year. He’s already halfway to last season’s total shots on goal.

“Over the summer, I focused on getting the puck on my stick more often and being aggressive when chasing it,” he says. “I get to use my creativity, and that’s really worked so far. I still have to push myself even harder and expect more out of me.”

He admits he’s tough on himself, but that drives him to improve.

“I’ve been told I’m very hard on myself. It’s internal motivation. You want to be the best you can. There’s never a moment where I’m fully satisfied. I just want to pursue being the best.”

Varga has also worked on his battle level, getting into more puck battles, creating turnovers, and putting pressure on opponents.

“Watching video and working with coaches on positioning has been a big help. It’s just a matter of putting it into action now,” he says.

He’s also noticed the game feels slower this year.

“It’s slowed down a bit. You’re able to see more, think more, and make better plays with your ability. It’s not easy, but slowing down has helped me a lot,” he says.

He is impressed with fellow American and rookie goalie Harrison Boettiger.

“He’s been incredible. Reads plays well, very athletic, and he’s only going to get better,” Varga says. Having teammates like that pushes him to be better too.

With top players like Tij Iginla and Tomas Poletin possibly leaving for the World Juniors, there’s an opportunity for Varga to step up even more.

“If he gets a chance to go play for the World Juniors, that’d be incredible for him and this organization. Back here, it’s a chance for others to elevate too,” he says.

Looking ahead, Varga knows the biggest thing he needs to work on: consistency.

“I go a couple of games with good performances, then I might get a goal or assist and fall off a bit, then get back into it. Finding that consistency is the biggest thing. Carson Wetsch told me that’s what really separates the good players from the average—consistency.”

Kalder Varga is still young, but his focus and drive have already made him a key piece of the Rockets’ lineup. He’s aggressive, creative, and always pushing himself to improve.

“Consistency is the biggest thing. That’s what separates good players from average players.”