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Carter Kowalyk/Kelowna Rockets
By Vernon Matters Staff
Rockets Trade

Kelowna Rockets trade Carter Kowalyk to Seattle Thunderbirds

Oct 1, 2025 | 11:17 AM

The Kelowna Rockets have traded veteran defenceman Carter Kowalyk to the Seattle Thunderbirds in exchange for a sixth round pick in the 2027 WHL draft.

Kowalyk, 20, was acquired by Kelowna in January 2024 in a three-team deal involving Saskatoon and Edmonton. The 6-5 defender posted two goals and 13 assists across 68 regular season games with the Rockets, along with 74 penalty minutes and one assist in 10 playoff appearances.

Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton said Kowalyk was a steady force during his time in Kelowna, calling him “a strong presence on our blueline and in our room” and wishing him success as he continues his WHL career in Seattle.

The move leaves Kelowna with one remaining overage player. WHL teams are permitted a maximum of three 20-year-olds on their roster.

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