Discover why Kelowna Rockets goalie Harrison Boettiger is a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. From his Shattuck St. Mary’s legacy to a Memorial Cup run, see why scouts love his game.
The road to the professional ranks is rarely a straight line, but for 18-year-old netminder Harrison Boettiger, it’s currently paved with high-stakes pressure and a clear sense of purpose. As the hockey world turns its attention toward Buffalo for the upcoming summer, 2026 NHL Draft Boettiger is emerging as one of the most composed and technically sound talents available in the entire class.
Harrison Boettiger: Prospect Profile & Stats
| Feature | Details |
| Current Team | Kelowna Rockets (WHL) |
| Height / Weight | 6’2″ / 194 lbs |
| 2025-26 Stats | 18-8-4, .903 SV%, 3.09 GAA |
| NCAA Commitment | University of Denver (2026-27) |
| Midterm Ranking | #7 (North American Goalies) |
A Rising Star in the 2026 NHL Draft
When NHL Central Scouting released its midterm rankings, it confirmed what Western Hockey League fans already knew: Boettiger is the real deal. Coming in at number seven among North American goaltenders, he is firmly in the conversation to be one of the first netminders off the board in the 2026 NHL Draft.
What sets him apart isn’t just his size, but his mental maturity. Boettiger describes himself as a “calm” goaltender, a trait that scouts have lauded throughout his first full season in Kelowna. In a position defined by chaos, 2026 NHL Draft his ability to stay square to the shooter and track pucks through traffic has made him a pillar for a Rockets team with championship aspirations.
The Journey: From Shattuck St. Mary’s to Kelowna
Boettiger’s pedigree is undeniable. Before joining the WHL, he spent two legendary seasons at Shattuck St. Mary’s in Minnesota—the same prep school that produced icons like Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby. During his U14 season, he posted a staggering 24-0-0 record with 10 shutouts. That winning habit followed him to USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP), 2026 NHL Draft where he represented his country on the international stage before making the jump to major junior.
His trade to Kelowna in early 2025 was a turning point. Acquired for a significant return, the Rockets brought him in specifically to lead them during their host year for the 106th Memorial Cup. This high-pressure environment is the perfect “audition” for the 2026 NHL Draft, as scouts want to see how a goalie handles the weight of a host-city expectation.
Technical Prowess: Why Scouts Compare Him to the Best
NHL scouts have likened Boettiger’s style to that of Frederik Andersen or Jeremy Swayman. He relies on elite positioning and precise skating rather than desperation saves. In his own words, he wants to give his teammates a “sense of safety.” 2026 NHL Draft By taking away the top of the net with active hands and a quiet upper body, he forces shooters to try and beat him through a maze of pads—a task that has proven difficult for WHL stars this season.
As he prepares for the 2026 NHL Draft, Boettiger is focused on the small details: picking pucks out of the air and reading plays before they develop. This “hockey sense” is often what separates a good prospect from a future NHL starter. With his commitment to the University of Denver waiting next year, he is taking the “long-view” approach to his development.
The Memorial Cup and the Path to Buffalo
The next few months will be the most important of Boettiger’s young career. Hosting the Memorial Cup at Prospera Place means every save he makes will be under a microscope. A strong performance in May could see his stock rise even further in the 2026 NHL Draft rankings, potentially pushing him into the early second-round conversation.
For Boettiger, the goal is simple: backstop Kelowna to a title and then head to Buffalo to see his NHL dreams become a reality. Whether he’s building 10,000-piece LEGO sets to stay sharp or stone-walling breakaways, he is proving that he has the focus required for the next level.
Conclusion
Harrison Boettiger represents the new wave of American goaltending. With a blend of technical excellence, physical size, and a “cool-as-ice” demeanor, he is a name you’ll hear frequently when the 2026 NHL Draft kicks off this June. For any team looking to solidify their future in the crease, the Kelowna star is a target that is getting harder to ignore.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Harrison Boettiger ranked for the 2026 NHL Draft?
He is currently ranked #7 among North American goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting’s midterm list.
2. Which college is Harrison Boettiger committed to?
He is committed to play for his hometown University of Denver (NCHC) starting in the 2026-27 season.
3. What was Boettiger’s record at Shattuck St. Mary’s?
He was nearly perfect, including a 24-0-0 season at the U14 level with a 1.12 GAA and a .948 save percentage.
4. How did Kelowna acquire Harrison Boettiger?
The Rockets acquired him from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in January 2025 as part of a blockbuster trade involving prospect Caden Price.
5. What is Boettiger’s playing style?
He is known for being a “positional” and “calm” goalie who relies on skating and play-reading rather than being overly aggressive.
