Rockets make history with new captain

The Kelowna Rockets have chosen their new captain who made a name for himself at the recent World Junior tournament in Halifax and Moncton.

Gabriel Szturc is the 28th captain in franchise history, taking over from Colton Dach, who was traded to the Seattle Thunderbirds earlier this month. He’s the first European captain in Rockets franchise history.

“It means a lot to me to be named captain,” Szturc said. “I want to thank Bruce [Hamilton} and Kris [Mallette] for this opportunity, it’s a very big honour. I want to lead the Rockets by doing the right things on and off the ice.”

The forward from Cesky Tesin, Czechia is in his second Western Hockey League season with the Rockets after being selected 44th overall in the first round of the 2021 CHL Import Draft.

“He’s a true leader, he’s someone that our group will rally behind and follow in his footsteps,” Rockets head coach Kris Mallette remarked.

“He’s a player that comes in each and every day with a smile on his face; he works extremely hard in practice, in the gym and in games. As a European, he has worked diligently on his English, much like everything in his game. He always challenges everyone to be their best.”

Szturc, who was a standout for silver-medal winning Czechia at the world juniors, has appeared in 96 WHL regular-season games, posting 80 points (26G, 54A) and 26 penalty minutes.

A late 2003 birthdate, Szturc will be eligible for the NHL Draft for the second time this year. NHL Central Scouting announced earlier this week that he’s ranked No. 181 among North American skaters on their mid-season rankings for the upcoming 2023 NHL Draft.

Szturc will debut with the ‘C’ Friday night when the Rockets visit the Vancouver Giants at the Langley Events Centre, with the Giants at Prospera Place on Saturday.

Rockets captains (Kelowna and Tacoma):