SPORTS

Fresh Faces and Top Pick Madden Daneault Bring New Optimism to Kelowna Rockets Training Camp

Kelowna Rockets open 2026-27 WHL training camp at Prospera Place, featured by first-overall draft pick Madden Daneault and new general manager Curtis Hamilton.

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1 week ago

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New Era Begins Following Memorial Cup Disappointment

A new sense of hope surrounds the Kelowna Rockets as the Western Hockey League club opened its training camp on Thursday, Aug. 27 at Prospera Place. The team is looking to move past a disappointing 0-3 finish at the 2026 Memorial Cup, launching its preparations for the 2026-27 season with significant changes across the organization.

Among the major off-season developments is the transition in front-office leadership. Curtis Hamilton has taken over as general manager, assuming the role after his father, team owner Bruce Hamilton, served in the position for 35 years.

Top Draft Pick Madden Daneault Makes Immediate Impression

Highlighting the roster of newcomers is center Madden Daneault, selected first overall in the 2026 WHL Draft. Daneault quickly caught the attention of coaches, management, media, and fans during Thursday’s ice sessions. During practice drills, the young forward demonstrated his skill set by scoring multiple goals, including a 2-on-1 rush where he cut across the ice to fire a shot into the top corner on the goalie’s glove side.

“He’s a special player, too. He’s talented, but he’s got very, very high character, so players like that don’t come along often, and we’re lucky to have him,” Hamilton said. The general manager described Daneault as a complete two-way player capable of playing a physical game alongside his offensive talent.

Daneault enters camp following a standout season with the U15 Red Deer Rebels, where he notched 149 points across 34 games, in addition to scoring six points in three games for the U18 AAA Red Deer Chiefs. Under revised WHL guidelines, Daneault can skate in up to 34 games for Kelowna this year. Current plans have him starting and finishing the campaign with the Rockets while returning to Red Deer to play for the Chiefs during the winter months.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a huge jump for me going from U15 hockey, but I played some U18 games last year, and I feel that helped me quite a bit,” Daneault noted, adding that he aims to play his game, maintain physical play, and set up teammates rather than focusing on instant stardom.

Veterans Step Up Ahead of Camp Conclusion

Returning forward Owen Folstrom also emerged as a standout during morning ice sessions. The 18-year-old doubled down on his off-season training following a sophomore campaign where he recorded 14 goals and five assists in a fourth-line role. Folstrom connected on several plays with Daneault during practice and expressed a desire to expand his role into a dependable 200-foot player who can produce more offensively.

“I was building that offensive confidence, and hopefully I can just bring that into this year and score some goals for this team, make plays, and just be offensively productive,” Folstrom said post-practice.

Head coach Derrick Martin emphasized the responsibility of veteran players like Folstrom to help integrate young additions, noting how exciting it is to see the gains players make over a single off-season.

Training camp activities culminate on Sunday, Aug. 30 with the annual Young Guns Game at Prospera Place. Admission is free to the public, with doors opening at 11 a.m.

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SPORTS

BC Lions See Win Streak Snapped by Alouettes in 37-30 Loss

The Montreal Alouettes ended the BC Lions’ five-game winning streak with a 37-30 CFL victory, securing a home playoff spot at Percival Molson Stadium.

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20 hours ago

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September 5, 2026

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Alouettes Clinch Playoff Spot as Lions Fall to 6-6

The Montreal Alouettes secured a home playoff berth on Friday night, holding off the visiting BC Lions for a 37-30 victory at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium. The result halted a five-game winning streak for BC, dropping their record to 6-6 on the season, while Montreal improved to 10-2 overall and maintained a perfect 7-0 record at home.

Third-Quarter Surge Shifts Game Momentum

BC held a 12-7 advantage at halftime following three field goals from Sean Whyte and a fumble recovery by Parker McKenna on a hit by TJ Lee. However, Montreal dominated the third quarter by outscoring the Lions 20-7. A six-yard touchdown run by Canadian running back Liam Talbot, a 48-yard Jose Maltos Diaz field goal, and a 57-yard interception return touchdown by Tyrice Beverette flipped the contest in favor of the host team.

Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke threw for 375 yards and two touchdowns, but his second-half interception to Beverette proved costly. Down 34-22 late in the fourth quarter, BC mounted a response with a touchdown catch by Jermaine Jackson and a successful two-point conversion to narrow the margin to four points with 1:38 remaining. Montreal’s Tyson Philpot recovered the subsequent onside kick, allowing Maltos Diaz to seal the game with a 39-yard field goal with 12 seconds left.

Statistical Highlights and Upcoming Rematch

Alouettes starting quarterback Davis Alexander posted 297 passing yards and a touchdown, bringing his season totals to 25 touchdown passes against two interceptions. Tyler Snead scored twice for Montreal, while receiver Justin McInnis led the Lions in receiving with six catches for 100 yards. BC running back Zander Horvath was held to 46 yards on 17 carries after a four-touchdown performance the previous week, suffering two stops on third-down conversion attempts.

Linebacker Darnell Sankey anchored the Lions defense with nine tackles. Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News, Kelowna Capital News, Vernon Morning Star, and Penticton Western News reported that the two teams will clash again Sept. 12 in Vancouver at BC Place.

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BC STORIES

WHL Fans Can Stream 2026-27 Games for Free on YouTube Following Streaming Shift

The Western Hockey League will temporarily stream its 2026-27 games for free on YouTube following uncertainty with former broadcast partner Victory+.

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2 days ago

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September 3, 2026

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WHL Shifts Livestreams to YouTube

Western Hockey League games will be streamed live on YouTube at no cost on an interim basis following uncertainty involving former media partner Victory+, the league announced Wednesday, Sept. 2.

The short-term transition arrives as WHL clubs launch their preseason schedule ahead of the 2026-27 regular season kickoff on Friday, Sept. 18. The amateur hockey league, which includes 23 teams across Western Canada and the U.S. Northwest, confirmed it will provide additional details regarding its YouTube broadcast strategy before regular season play begins.

Platform Changes and Broad Industry Context

Victory+ had served as the CHL member league’s livestreaming provider since March 2025, carrying two playoff runs alongside one full regular season using an ad-supported distribution structure. Media reports indicate Victory+ could potentially shut down after losing the WHL as well as NHL franchises the Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars.

In a press release, WHL Commissioner Dan Near noted the league has parted ways with the broadcaster while emphasizing that the platform aided expanding reach. Near stated that placing regular season broadcasts on YouTube for the short term safeguards access for supporters to view their preferred clubs and players, adding that accessibility remains paramount as the league explores long-term broadcast alternatives.

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BC STORIES

Why BC Lions Fullback Jacob Bond Is Facing a Two-Game Suspension

BC Lions fullback Jacob Bond receives a two-game CFL suspension after testing positive for a prohibited stimulant used to treat ADHD.

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4 days ago

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September 2, 2026

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CFL Enforces Two-Game Ban Following Positive Test

BC Lions fullback Jacob Bond has received a two-game suspension from the Canadian Football League after violating the league’s drug policy. According to reporting from outlets including the Kelowna Capital News, the disciplinary action was issued on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

The policy violation stems from a positive drug test for D-amfetamine. Classified as a non-specific stimulant under the league’s Prohibited List, the substance is also known as dextroamphetamine and is commonly prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

League Rules and Appeal Options

The 23-year-old athlete, who previously played for the Okanagan Sun from 2021 to 2024, has the option to appeal the disciplinary decision handed down by the CFL.

In a formal statement, the CFL outlined the penalties for drug policy infractions: “Players who violate the policy receive a two-game suspension for a first violation, a nine-game suspension for a second, a one-year suspension for a third, and a lifetime ban for a fourth.”

League regulations strictly forbid suspended athletes from taking part in both regular-season and post-season games. However, the CFL stated that “It is at the Club’s discretion whether to allow players to participate in other team activities, such as practices or meetings.”

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