Andrew Cristall (Kelowna Rockets photo)

By Corey Fischer

entry-level deal

Cristall signs deal with NHL team

Jul 6, 2023 | 2:45 PM

Andrew Cristall has his first pro hockey deal.

The Washington Capitals signed the Kelowna Rockets forward to a three-year entry level contract.

The deal will pay Cristall an $810,000 a year at the NHL level and $82,500 in the AHL.

The Capitals selected Cristall, an 18-year-old Vancouver native, in the second round (40th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

The 5’10”, 175-pound forward lead the Rockets in goals (39), assists (56) and points (95) last season the Western Hockey League.

Highway alerts

Two orange rainfall warnings issued as heavy rain threatens southern B.C. highways

27m ago

Missing Snowmobilers

Three sledders, two whom were missing for days, rescued from Hunters Range area

1h ago

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

Dec 14, 2025

Cristall’s 1.76 points-per-game rate ranked fourth in the WHL, while his 95 points was tied for sixth.

The Burnaby Winter Club grad was named Kelowna’s team MVP and was selected to the WHL B.C. Division First All-Star Team.

by Corey Fischer

View Comments

Highway alerts

Two orange rainfall warnings issued as heavy rain threatens southern B.C. highways

A strong frontal system is bringing heavy rain to southern British Columbia today, with total rainfall amounts expected between 60 and 80 millimetres. Areas affected include the Manning-Skagit Valley, Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass, and the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt. Environment Canada ...

28m ago

Missing Snowmobilers

Three sledders, two whom were missing for days, rescued from Hunters Range area

Three snowmobilers are recovering after getting lost in the Hunters Range area last week, two of whom were out in the wilderness for multiple days.Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) said a pair of sledders went out riding in the LaForge area of Hunters Range Tuesday, Dec. 9, but did not return home.The following day VSAR ...

1h ago

Short term benefits

UBCO study finds microdosing lifts mood and creativity

A UBC Okanagan study suggests microdosing psychedelics can boost mood, creativity and focus-but only on the days it is done.Researchers tracked more than 1,400 participants from 49 countries, who reported feeling more productive, connected and positive on microdosing days. The effects faded on non-dosing days.Microdosi...

2h ago

Holiday changes

Central Okanagan residents urged to note holiday garbage schedule

Residents in the Central Okanagan are being reminded that curbside garbage and recycling schedules will change over the holiday season.The Regional District of Central Okanagan says there will be no collection on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, or on New Year's Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. Thursday routes will instead be p...

2h ago

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

The City of Vernon has over $50,000 to give to local non-profits and organizations.A city staff report stated that there were five applicants who should be awarded funds through the October intake of the Council Discretionary Grant program. One of those agencies is receiving nearly half the available funds.The report r...

Dec 14, 2025

major response

Park arrest prompts major emergency response in West K

West Kelowna RCMP are sharing information after a major operation by the Emergency Response Team on Thursday. The drug section, with support from various other units made an initial arrest at City Park in Kelowna. That prompted them to execute a search warrant at a residence on Scott Crescent in West Kelowna and that i...

Dec 13, 2025

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

One person was arrested but later released in connection to what police say was suspicious activity in Coldstream.Vernon North Okanagan RCMP received a report of a suspicious individual outside a residence on Tamarack Drive shortly after midnight Thursday, Dec. 11.It was believed the person could potentially be in poss...

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

A fatal crash occurred on Highway 1 east of Revelstoke Friday morning.RCMP responded to a report of two semis that collided head-on on the highway at approximately 9:20 a.m., Dec. 12.First responders attended and one of the drivers was declared deceased at the scene, while the other was taken to hospital in critical co...

Dec 13, 2025

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

Vernon's Mayor and Councillors will have their remuneration going up next year, but not by as much as previously expected.After receiving critique from the public, Councillor Kari Gares brought forward a request to have city staff develop a plan to maintain the remuneration rates at the 2025 level for 2026.This would s...

Dec 12, 2025

Cristall signs deal with NHL team

Other Matters

What Matters