The Kelowna Rockets have set their opening night ahead of the start of the 2024-25 season.

Going into the opening game against the Portland Winterhawks, the roster consists of 15 forwards, nine defenceman, and two goaltenders.

Included in the 26-man roster is five players who have been drafted by NHL teams - Tij Iginla (Utah), Andrew Cristall (Washington), Caden Price (Seattle), Hiroki Gojsic (Nashville), and Max Graham (New Jersey). 

Cristall led the Rockets in scoring last season with 111 points (40 goals, 71 assists) while Iginla was second in points and first in goals with 47.

The roster, which can be seen on the Rockets , also consists of 17 returning players, and nine rookies, including Hiroki Gojsic's younger brother, Kanjyu. 

Last season, the Rockets made the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons. And with the fire power they have on their roster going into this season, the team's is being noticed across the country.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) released their top-10 power rankings ahead of the upcoming season and the Rockets are ranked 10th.

"Kelowna seems destined for bigger and better things as they head into the 2024-25 campaign," stated the CHL's power rankings. 

The Rockets open the 2024-25 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 21 as they welcome the Portland Winterhawks to town. Puck drop is at 6:05 p.m. and tickets are still available on the Select Your Tickets .