Kelowna Goalie Boettiger Eyes Memorial Cup Glory

Drafted prospect aims to backstop his junior team to a championship in his hometown

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Harrison Boettiger, an 18-year-old goaltender ranked 7th among North American goalies eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, is starring for the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League this season. The Colorado native, who previously played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, is hoping to lead Kelowna to the Memorial Cup tournament as the host team. Boettiger is committed to play at the University of Denver next season.

Why it matters

Boettiger's performance this season could boost his draft stock, as NHL teams look for talented young goalies who can excel at the junior and collegiate levels. As the host team, Kelowna has an automatic berth in the prestigious Memorial Cup tournament, giving Boettiger a chance to showcase his skills on a big stage in his hometown.

The details

Boettiger, a 6-foot-2, 189-pound goaltender, was originally drafted by Lethbridge in the 2022 WHL U.S. priority draft. He was later acquired by Kelowna in a trade ahead of the 2025 WHL trade deadline. This season, Boettiger has a record of 18-8-4 with a 3.09 goals-against average and .903 save percentage in 31 games. He is known for his calm demeanor in the crease and his ability to make athletic saves when needed.

  • Boettiger was selected by Lethbridge with the 4th overall pick in the 2022 WHL U.S. priority draft.
  • Kelowna acquired Boettiger in a trade just before the 2025 WHL trade deadline on January 6, 2025.
  • Boettiger signed a WHL scholarship and development agreement with Kelowna on June 23, 2025.
  • The 106th Memorial Cup tournament will be held in Kelowna, British Columbia from May 21-31, 2026.

The players

Harrison Boettiger

An 18-year-old goaltender ranked 7th among North American goalies eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, who is currently starring for the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League.

Kelowna Rockets

The junior hockey team that Boettiger plays for, which is hosting the 2026 Memorial Cup tournament.

University of Denver

The college that Boettiger is committed to play for starting in the 2026-27 season.

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What they’re saying

“I plan on going to the University of Denver (in 2026-27), getting an education and being able to play in my hometown, too. This year, my best option was Kelowna because not only will I have a chance to play in the Memorial Cup but it's a great organization with a great team.”

— Harrison Boettiger (nhl.com)

“Harrison has gotten his game going in the right direction, has been steady and looks more comfortable. He started the season on the injured list, and it took a while to get going, but he's making a difference now.”

— Al Jensen, NHL Central Scouting (nhl.com)

What’s next

The 106th Memorial Cup tournament will be held in Kelowna, British Columbia from May 21-31, 2026, where Boettiger and the Kelowna Rockets will look to capture the championship in his hometown.

The takeaway

Boettiger's performance this season for Kelowna could be a major boost to his NHL draft stock, as he looks to lead his junior team to glory in the prestigious Memorial Cup tournament. His ability to excel at the junior level and then transition to the college game at the University of Denver makes him an intriguing prospect for NHL teams seeking talented young goalies.