(Image Credit: Photo Credit: CFJC Today)

By Anthony Corea

GOALIE DUEL

Goaltenders take centre stage as Blazers return to WHL playoffs against Rockets

Mar 27, 2026 | 4:24 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Blazers and Kelowna Rockets kick off their playoff series on Friday (March 27). One of the most important aspects of any playoff series is goaltending. Both Kamloops and Kelowna have their respective starters ready to go. Logan Edmonstone and Harrison Boettiger are both making their first career WHL playoff starts.

It’s no secret Edmonstone likes playing against the Kelowna Rockets. Over five matchups this season, the Blazers’ goaltender posted a 2-3 record, while recording a .914 save percentage and making plenty of key saves in the process.

“No idea,” said Edmonstone when asked about why he thrives against the Rockets. “Just maybe a little rivalry. I like playing against them. They’re fun to play against, and it’s always a good game.”

For Edmonstone, it’s his first taste of the WHL playoffs in his career. He’s expecting the Rockets to make his life difficult in front of the net in his postseason debut. But goaltending coach Dan de Palma has full faith that his goaltender can bring a calm mindset into the series.

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“I think really just being able to stay level, to keep level, not get too high and not get too low,” says de Palma, who has been with the Blazers since 2008. “Some guys do that really well, some guys don’t. That’s what you’re always looking to try to teach and help them become, and yeah, I feel both of our guys have been excellent at that.”

In the opposing crease, the Blazers will have the challenge of solving Boettiger. The Rockets’ goalie has been exceptional as of late, going 7-2-1 in his last ten starts. Three of those wins came against Kamloops. The tall task ahead is to try to throw the American netminder off his game in any way they can.

“Being a Colorado kid, I saw him last year at the program,” said Texas native and Blazers leading scorer JP Hurlbert. “We kind of have some spots we’re going to test on him early in the series. You know, one thing we like to say is anybody can have an off night, but if a goalie has an off night, it’s a lot worse. If we can just make his life uncomfortable and get one by him early, I think that’ll do a lot for us. I’ve known him for a long time. I know we’re going to get to him and we’re going to score some goals.

Games 1 and 2 will be in Kelowna, Friday and Saturday, with Games 3 and 4 in Kamloops next Tuesday and Wednesday. It will be the first time in three years that the Sandman Centre will host a playoff game.