Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

No ordinary rookie

Harrison Boettiger answers the call in the crease

Jan 19, 2026 | 6:00 AM

Rookie goaltender Harrison Boettiger continues to show why NHL scouts are paying attention, even if the 18-year-old says he is far from satisfied.

Boettiger was outstanding Saturday night at Prospera Place, stopping 46 of 49 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Prince George Cougars. It was the most shots he has faced in a single game this season, and he remained sharp throughout, earning first-star honours despite the loss.

In 14 games this season, the draft-eligible rookie has posted a save percentage above .900, a strong mark for a first-year WHL goaltender. NHL Central Scouting released its midterm rankings a week ago today, placing Boettiger seventh among North American goaltenders.

“It’s cool to be recognized and be recognized as one of the top goalies in North America,” Boettiger said. “Obviously it’s an honor, but I’m just going to try and keep working and move up the list a little bit.”

Boettiger described his season so far as inconsistent but encouraging, especially after dealing with early adversity.

Rockets face road test in games 3 and 4

Goaltending, discipline and depth driving 2-0 series lead over Blazers

Mar 30, 2026

Rockets DOA. Dominate. Overcome. Achieve

Things that make me go hmm....

Feb 02, 2026

Too good to ignore, too hated to care

Kelowna Rockets: The team the Internet loves to hate

Jan 13, 2026

“A bunch of ups and downs,” he said. “I started off the season with an injury, so that didn’t help. But then I had a couple of good games here and there and had a really strong middle half of the season and kind of a weaker end. But overall I thought it was pretty solid and I want to have a solid second half.”

Saturday’s game against Prince George may have been the clearest sign yet of that second half taking shape. The Cougars generated sustained pressure and quality chances, but Boettiger stayed composed, tracking pucks through traffic and giving his team a chance to win right until the end.

As he continues to see more time in the crease and pushes toward assuming the number one role, Boettiger remains focused on team results rather than individual status.

“I’m fine with whatever,” he said. “I just want the team to win. I just want what’s best for the team. So whoever’s doing that deserves to play more games.”

Still, the competitive drive remains.

“Of course I’m a competitor and I want to be that guy,” Boettiger said. “But ultimately it’s all about the team and who’s winning more games and being better for the team.”

The Rockets have undergone recent lineup changes, and Boettiger believes the group is already coming together.

“I really like all the players we have,” he said. “They’re all great guys in the locker room and obviously they’re studs on the ice because we went out to get them.”

He likes what he sees in front of him on the ice as well.

“The D core is looking really good and the forwards are awesome per usual,” Boettiger said. “We’ve got points in five straight (4-0-1-0) with the new group so I think it’s going to happen pretty quickly.”

For Boettiger, performances like Saturday night are steps forward, not the finish line. Recognition from NHL Central Scouting may be meaningful, but his focus remains on steady improvement and helping the Rockets win games.

“I’m just going to try and keep working,” he said.