The big man is back

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You must ask the question.

Rockets await start of Memorial Cup

Chances were there. Goals weren't

Apr 20, 2026

Enough talk. Time for action

As they say in Everett, 'Let's play hockey!

Apr 10, 2026

Rockets face road test in games 3 and 4

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

Mar 30, 2026

Is Boyko better served playing in the East Coast League, the lowest tier of pro hockey, as a backup with limited ice time, as opposed to the WHL offering him a prominent role as a starter playing in 50+ games, not the 20 offered at the ECHL level?

The answer is abundantly clear.

Goalies, typically, need more seasoning, so being an overage player in that position in junior hockey is commonplace.

Down the road, the Vegas Golden Knights sent 20-year-old goalie Jesper Vikman, a fifth-round NHL draft pick, back to the Vancouver Giants to work on his game.

The list of 20-year-old goalies in Kelowna is a long one. Kelly Guard, Shane Bendera, Derek Yeomans, Mark Guggenberger, Kristofer Westblom, and Jordon Cooke all suited up as overage players.

Acquired at around this time last year from the Tri-City Americans, Boyko had more good days than bad in his new surroundings.

With his return, Boyko now joins Adam Kydd as two of three 20-year-old’s allowed on each team.

It solidifies the depth in goal, joining Jari Kykkanen, who did more than an admirable job playing in seven of the opening eight regular season games with Boyko’s return in doubt.

Are the Rockets a better team today with Boyko’s return?

As any astute hockey coach will tell you, offense wins games but defense wins championships.