Photo credit: RocketFAN

By Regan Bartel

Rockets first European captain - ever

Captain Gabby!!

Jan 19, 2023 | 2:10 PM

For the first time in Kelowna Rockets franchise history, a European-born player has been named captain.

Gabriel Szturc is thrilled to be taking over from Colton Dach, who was traded to the Seattle Thunderbirds back on January 7th.

In return, the team acquired 18-year-old forward Ty Hurley and 17-year-old defenceman Ethan Mittelsteadt, along with Seattle’s first-round pick in 2024 and another two conditional draft picks.

“It is a big honour for me”, Szturc told RocketFAN. “I am going to do the same things that I have done here, which is trying to be a role model for the younger guys.”

Head Coach Kris Mallette says the 19-year-old has the respect of his teammates.

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“He has come back this season and has worked extremely hard. We often talk about how consistent he has been as a player, both on and off the ice.

“Guys really like him. He is an outgoing player who holds guys accountable. His work ethic is going to draw people in to follow in his footsteps”, Mallette added.

Szturc has proven to be a world-class player, most recently winning a silver medal for Czechia at the World Junior Hockey Championships.

The question is, what has he learned from others that will help him lead the Rockets for the remainder of the season?

“I learned from them [ex-captains] that they are always the role models for the younger players and they try to do the right thing, both on the ice and off the ice,” Szturc added. “They are usually at the front of the train. They are always leading the team to a win, and that is what I want to do here.”

In only his second full season in the WHL, Szturc is second in the team in scoring with 39 points (10+29=39) in just 29 games.

“Language barrier or not, he is surrounded by a good leadership group, but I know it is a real positive to be naming him the captain”, Mallette said.

Szturc has come a long way since being selected in the 2020 CHL Import Draft.

Attempting to grasp the English language, the adjustment was made easier thanks to fellow-countryman Pavel Novak, who took the shy teenager under his wing.

“Since he came to Kelowna he always worked hard off and on the ice”, Novak said in a text message to RocketFAN. “He never gives up. He is just getting better and having fun playing hockey every day. He is truly a leader of this team. I’m really proud of Gabby, he deserves that honor.”

When Szturc was presented his jersey with the letter ‘C’ on the front, much to the applause of his teammates, GM Bruce Hamilton had this to say.

“He is a guy that epitomizes what we want here. He is a hard working, honest player. Get us out of the ditch big fella.”

Szturc, as the team’s new leader, will take to the ice with his teammates Friday in Vancouver against the Giants.