Iginla as 2026 playoffs come into view: Kelowna’s surge, a nine-goal statement, and a weekly honour Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla emerged as the focal point of the team’s momentum after a dominant 9-2 victory over the Victoria Royals, marking a pivotal moment in the 2026 Western Hockey League playoffs race. The Rockets’ offensive explosion, which saw them build a 4-1 lead in the first period and a 7-2 advantage after two, underscored their growing strength. Thirteen of the 18 skaters on the roster contributed at least a point, with Iginla leading the charge. The forward recorded his second career five-point game, tallying a goal and four assists, while Shane Smith added two goals. Hayden Paupanekis, Keith McInnis, Ty Halaburda, Mazden Leslie, Owen Folstrom, and Rowan Guest each found the net, with Parker Alcos and Carson Wetsch chipping in two assists apiece. The win also highlighted Kelowna’s disciplined execution on special teams, as the Rockets converted two of three power-play opportunities while limiting Victoria to just one. Goalie Josh Banini made 28 saves to secure the victory, while Victoria’s Jake Pilon faced 46 shots in a losing effort. The game carried additional significance as Mazden Leslie reached his 250th WHL point, becoming the 13th defenseman in league history and the first Rocket to achieve the milestone. Iginla’s impact extended beyond the scoreboard, as he was named Western Hockey League Player of the Week for his four-game stretch that included 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) and a +10 rating. During this span, Kelowna went 2-0-1-1, clinching a playoff berth for the 2026 season. The 21-year-old forward now sits fifth in league scoring with 84 points (39 goals, 45 assists) in 43 games, matching his career-best total and leading the WHL in points per game at 1.95.#kelowna_rockets #shane_smith #tij_iginla #western_hockey_league #mazden_leslie
