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
Kelowna Rockets put nine on the board in drubbing of Victoria The Kelowna Rockets erased the bitterness of their previous loss to the Vancouver Giants with a dominant performance against the Victoria Royals, securing a 9-2 victory. The win marked a strong rebound for the team, showcasing their offensive prowess and resilience. The Rockets struck early and often, taking control of the game with a 4-1 lead after the first period and extending it to 7-2 by halftime. Key contributors included Tig Iginla, who recorded his second five-point game of the season with a goal and four assists. Shane Smith added two goals, while Hayden Paupanekis, Keith McInnis, Ty Halaburda, Mazden Leslie, Owen Folstrom, and Rowan Guest each found the net. Parker Alcos and Carson Wetsch chipped in with two assists apiece, ensuring 13 of the 18 skaters on the roster contributed at least one point. Leslie’s goal marked his 250th career point, making him the 13th defenseman in WHL history and the first in Rockets history to reach that milestone. Former Rockets goaltender Jake Pilon faced 46 shots but was unable to stop the onslaught, while Josh Banini made 28 saves to earn the win. The Rockets also capitalized on the power play, converting two of three opportunities, and limited the Royals to just one power-play chance. The victory kept the Rockets tied with Prince George for third place in the Western Conference, both teams sitting at 78 points. Prince George holds the tiebreaker with three more wins. The Rockets will face the Vancouver Giants in Langley on Sunday to conclude their busy weekend.#kelowna_rockets #victoria_royals #tig_iginla #shane_smith #hayden_paupanekis
