Rockets set opening roster

The Kelowna Rockets will likely be without five veterans when they kick off the 2024-2025 regular season Saturday against the Portland Winterhawks.

Forwards Tij Iginla (Utah), Andrew Cristall (Washington), Max Graham (New Jersey) Hiroki Gojsic (Nashville) and defenceman Caden Price (Seattle) will all suit up when their respective NHL teams open their main training camps this week.

It’s unlikely any will be back before the opening weekend of the regular season.

Forward Ethan Neutens, who received an invite to the LA Kings rookie camp is expected to be back sometime this week.

The Kings have not yet released their training camp roster.

The Rockets released their 26-player opening day roster Wednesday, which includes four 16-year olds and four overage players.

President and GM Bruce Hamilton will have to make a decision soon on which three to keep.

Presently, the team has forwards Graham, Luke Schelter, Michael Cicek and goaltender Jari Kykkanen listed as 20 year olds.

Schelter and Cicek are believed to be battling for that third spot on the roster.

With Graham away in New Jersey, both will get a chance to make one final impression against the Winterhawks.

The visiting Winterhawks will be in the same position with as many as six of their veterans also attending NHL main camps including Kelowna native Tyson Jugnauth who is expected to attend Seattle’s main camp.

Saturday’s season opener is set for 6 p.m. at Prospera Place.