Five young Kelowna Rockets prospects will spend part of their summer in Amherst, New York after earning invites to USA Hockey’s elite 2025 Boys National Player Development Camps.
The camps bring together the top American players in three age group for high-level training, competition and evaluation. They’re also a key step toward representing Team USA at major events such as the Four Nations Tournament and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
The National 17 Festival (2008-born players) takes palce from Jul 7-13 where the final U.S. Under-18 Select Team will be chosen.
Kelowna Rockets invitees:
- Brayden Russell - listed player
- Kalder Varga - drafted 7th overall (1st round) in the 2023 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft
The National 15 Player Development Camp (2010-born players)
takes place from July 16 – 21. It introduces the top players to USA Hockey’s high-performance model and lays the groundwork for future success.
Kelowna Rockets invitee:
- Drew McDevitt - drafted 9th overall (1st round) in the 2025 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft
The National 16 Camp (2009-born players) was held from June 25-July 1. It serves as a major tryout for the U.S. Under-17 Select Team, which will compete at the Four Nations Tournament in August.
Kelowna Rockets invitees:
- Colton Lien - drafted 11th overall (1st round) in the 2024 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft
- Drew Larioza - drafted 33rd overall (2nd round) in the 2024 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft
“The Kelowna Rockets congratulate all five players on their selection to these prestigious events and commend them for their continued dedication to excellence and growth,” the team said in a media release.
