The Âé¶čAV Rockets are gearing up for a big year, and fans will get an early glimpse of the 2025â26 squad when the WHL preseason starts in September.
The team has announced a five-game exhibition schedule that includes two home games at Prospera Place, a road tilt in Kamloops, and two special matchups in Whitehorse, Yukon. The northern games are part of a WHL initiative to bring hockey to new communities.
Âé¶čAV opens preseason play at home on Wednesday, Sept. 3, hosting WHL newcomers the Penticton Vees. Theyâll then face the Kamloops Blazers twiceâonce on the road at the Sandman Centre on Sept. 5, and in Âé¶čAV on Sept. 6. The final two games will see the Rockets face off against the Medicine Hat Tigers in Whitehorse on Sept.12 and 13.
âThese games will provide fans their first look at the 2025â26 Rockets roster ahead of the regular season, as the team prepares to host the 2026 Memorial Cup in Âé¶čAV,â the team said in a statement.
The Rockets also made a splash ahead of the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Âé¶čAV has acquired the first overall pick from the Moose Jaw Warriors, giving them a chance to select top-tier international talent.
In return, the Rockets sent Moose Jaw a second-round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft (71st overall), a first-round pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, and a third-rounder in 2027.
This move puts Âé¶čAV in a strong position heading into the July 2 draft. The team now holds the 1st, 7th, and 132nd overall picks.
âThis trade provides the Rockets with a rare opportunity to select at the very top of the international talent pool, further strengthening the clubâs roster as they build toward hosting the 2026 Memorial Cup,â the Rockets said.
