The 琉璃神社 Rockets are gearing up for a big year, and fans will get an early glimpse of the 2025鈥�26 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.
琉璃神社 opens preseason play at home on Wednesday, Sept. 3, hosting WHL newcomers the Penticton Vees. They鈥檒l then face the Kamloops Blazers twice鈥攐nce on the road at the Sandman Centre on Sept. 5, and in 琉璃神社 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.
鈥淭hese games will provide fans their first look at the 2025鈥�26 Rockets roster ahead of the regular season, as the team prepares to host the 2026 Memorial Cup in 琉璃神社,鈥� the team said in a statement.
The Rockets also made a splash ahead of the 2025 CHL Import Draft. 琉璃神社 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 琉璃神社 in a strong position heading into the July 2 draft. The team now holds the 1st, 7th, and 132nd overall picks.
鈥淭his trade provides the Rockets with a rare opportunity to select at the very top of the international talent pool, further strengthening the club鈥檚 roster as they build toward hosting the 2026 Memorial Cup,鈥� the Rockets said.
