The Kelowna Rockets and Regina Pats have acquired new goaltenders ahead of the 2025-26 regular season. Kelowna traded for Moose Jaw Warriors goaltender Josh Banini, while Regina acquired Marek Schlenker from the Penticton Vees. In the trades, Moose Jaw received a conditional 2027 fourth-round pick and a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick, while Penticton acquired a 2027 ninth-round pick.
Starting with last season was his rookie campaign in the WHL. The 19-year-old played in 26 games, recording a record of 3-17-1. Banini will now have the chance to compete for a Memorial Cup as the Rockets earn an automatic berth for hosting the tournament.
As for Schlenker, he joins his third team since the end of the 2024-25 season. The Vees selected the 19-year-old in the Expansion Draft after he was drafted from the Portland Winterhawks. Schlenker was also a rookie last season, posting a 13-10-1 record in 30 games.
Marek Schlenker of the Portland Winterhawks (Photo Credit: Keith Dwiggins/Portland Winterhawks/WHL)Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
The Hockey News