The Kelowna Rockets will be adding an MVP to their lineup. Vojtech Cihar, who is set to join the team soon, was recently named MVP of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship [http://thn.com/international]. Cihar helped lead Czechia to a Silver Medal and recorded 12 points in seven games during the tournament. Cihar has spent the first part of the season with HC Energie Karlovy Vary in Czechia. During his 27 games, the 18-year-old recorded four goals and four assists. Cihar's rights was acquired earlier in the season from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a deal that also saw Shane Smith traded to Kelowna. The Rockets have built a deep squad as they prepare to host the 2026 Memorial Cup. Other notable names on the roster include Tij Iginla, Carson Wetsch, Tomas Poletin, Hiroki Gojsic and Hayden Paupanekis. Through 36 games, Kelowna has a record of 17-14-3-2, which ranks eighth in the Western Conference. Jan 5, 2026; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Czechia forward Matej Kubiesa (11) celebrates his goal against Sweden with forward Petr Sikora (17), forward Tomas Poletin (18), defensemen Jakub Fibigr (7), defensemen Adam Jiricek (5), and forward Vojtech Cihar (15) during the third period in the final of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey tournament at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/8dbe711e-805b-484c-9848-2dc8eb1bfc82.jpeg] Jan 5, 2026; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Czechia forward Matej Kubiesa (11) celebrates his goal against Sweden with forward Petr Sikora (17), forward Tomas Poletin (18), defensemen Jakub Fibigr (7), defensemen Adam Jiricek (5), and forward Vojtech Cihar (15) during the third period in the final of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey tournament at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/whl]. Latest From THN’s Western Hockey League [https://thehockeynews.com/whl] Site: Standouts From Week 16 Of The 2025-26 WHL Season [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/standouts-from-week-16-of-the-2025-26-whl-season] Vancouver Giants & Spokane Chiefs Pull Off Blockbuster Trade For Mathis Preston [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/vancouver-giants-spokane-chiefs-pull-off-blockbuster-for-mathis-preston] Vancouver Giants Pull Off Trio Of Trades, Acquire Iginla & Hartmann While Dealing Schmidt, Alain & Obobaifo [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/vancouver-giants-pull-of-trio-of-trades-acquire-iginla-hartmann-while-dealing-schmidt-alain-obobaifo] WHL Standouts At The 2026 World Juniors: Semifinals [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/whl-standouts-at-the-2026-world-juniors-semifinals] WHL Announces Players Of The Month For December 2025 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/whl-announces-players-of-the-month-for-december-2025] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*11e3hua*_ga*MTk0NDM0Mzk0OS4xNzQ2MjQ0ODA2*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NjYzMzYxOTQkbzkwOSRnMSR0MTc2NjMzNzA3NyRqNTYkbDAkaDA.]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum. The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/8f6c90ea-2537-4a86-8c16-db90d6039376.jpeg] The Hockey News
