Kelowna-born forward coming home to play for Rockets
SPORTS
The Kelowna Rockets announced the signing of 2001-born forward Alex Swetlikoff to a standard Western Hockey League (WHL) player agreement on Tuesday.
“We’re very excited to have him join the Rockets,” said general manager Bruce Hamilton. “I know it’s always difficult to leave another team. However, I think that Alex understands that if he wants to get to the next level, the best move for him is to come to the Western Hockey League to achieve those goals. We’re looking forward to helping him become a better player and get him in a position to be drafted this June.”
The 17-year-old was originally selected 62nd overall in the third round of the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft by the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Kelowna acquired Swetlikoff’s rights from the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Dec. 6 for a fourth-round pick in the 2022 bantam draft.
“I’m super excited to join the Rockets,” said Swetlikoff. “I grew up watching them play, it’s a privilege to join the organization. I can’t wait to hit the ice with them.”
Swetlikoff was playing in his second season with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL. In 27 games this season, he had 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) and 20 penalty minutes.
NHL Central Scouting has Swetlikoff as a C-rated prospect on their Players to Watch list for the 2019 NHL draft, projecting him to be picked in the fourth round or later this coming June in Vancouver.
The 6-foot-2, 179-pound forward recently suited up for Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge in Bonnyville, Alta., where Swetlikoff helped the team take home bronze. It was his second time representing Canada, having also played for Canada White last season at the World Under-17 Challenge.
The Rockets return from the holiday break with a home-and-home set against the rival Kamloops Blazers, Dec. 28 on the road and Dec. 29 at Prospera Place, with Swetlikoff likely making his WHL debut that weekend.