‘Kelowna is where I want to go’: Rockets sign forward Connor Pankratz

Less than a week after exiting the WHL playoffs, the focus has already turned to the 2024-25 season for the Kelowna Rockets.

Today, the club announced an intriguing signing, as 2006-born Connor Pankratz was inked to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Pankratz was listed by the Rockets after he wasn’t selected in the 2021 WHL draft and has spent the three seasons since playing for the St. George’s School CSSHL program in Vancouver.

After going undrafted in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, the Rockets listed the 2006-born forward. pic.twitter.com/4CD2E3kMxv

— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) April 23, 2024

"From the day I decided Kelowna is where I want to go and signed, I honestly couldn't be more excited," he said. "Coming into a group where they had a good run in the playoffs and knowing what we're building for next year, it's really exciting to be a part of it."

A product of West Vancouver, the 5’11”, 170-pound forward led the St. George’s U18 Prep team with 21 goals and 27 assists in 29 games this past season, adding two helpers in three playoff games.

He also served as captain of the team, something that Rockets assistant general manager Curtis Hamilton said the club covets.

"Connor is a hard-working, highly-competitive centreman,” noted Hamilton. “He's a 200-foot player, with some scoring ability, and we believe will mix in well with that age group and will easily blend into our lineup."

As Hamilton alluded to, Pankratz is older than many players who sign with a WHL club, as he turned 18 in January, and will be expected to compete for a roster spot in the fall.

_{Thumbnail photo courtesy of the CSSHL.}