The Kelowna Rockets had two players selected in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, held this weekend in Los Angeles, California.

Forward Hayden Paupanekis was selected in the third round, 69th overall, by the Montreal Canadiens, while defenseman Will Sharpe was chosen in the seventh round, 216th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings.

This marks the first time in franchise history that a Rockets player has been drafted by both the Canadiens and the Kings.

Paupanekis, a 6-foot-5 forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba, split the 2024–25 season between the Rockets and the Spokane Chiefs, posting 22 goals and 21 assists for 43 points in 71 games. Acquired midseason in the Andrew Cristall trade, Paupanekis brought size, scoring touch, and a two-way presence to Kelowna’s forward group.

Sharpe, a 6-foot-1 defenseman from Delta, B.C., was acquired midseason from the Lethbridge Hurricanes and provided steady puck-moving ability and composure on the Rockets’ blueline. Over 66 games between Lethbridge and Kelowna, Sharpe recorded 9 goals and 35 assists for 44 points, showcasing his offensive instincts and consistency in all situations.

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Ten Rockets Participating in NHL Development Camps

The Kelowna Rockets also have 10 players from the organization attending NHL Development Camps this week across the National Hockey League.

Held from June 30 to July 3, NHL Development Camps feature a mix of on-ice and off-ice training designed to prepare players for the expectations and standards of professional hockey. These camps provide prospects with valuable insight into the daily habits, preparation, and work ethic required to become an NHL player.

Rockets players attending NHL Development Camps include

• Mazden Leslie – Vegas Golden Knights (Camp Invite)
• Dawson Gerwing – Los Angeles Kings (Camp Invite)
• Nate Corbet – Los Angeles Kings (Camp Invite)
• Will Sharpe – Los Angeles Kings (Drafted 7th Round, 216th Overall in 2025)
• Jake Pilon – San Jose Sharks (Camp Invite)
• Carson Wetsch – San Jose Sharks (Drafted 3rd Round, 82nd Overall in 2024)
• Tij Iginla – Utah Mammoth (Drafted 1st Round, 6th Overall in 2024)
• Hiroki Gojsic – Nashville Predators (Drafted 3rd Round, 94th Overall in 2024)
• Hayden Paupanekis – Montreal Canadiens (Drafted 3rd Round, 69th Overall in 2025)
• Jakub Stancl – St. Louis Blues (Drafted 4th Round, 106th Overall in 2023)