Outgoing Kelowna Rockets’ captain Rodney Southam is headed for the Maritimes.
The 20-year-old Saskatoon native has committed to the Acadia University Axemen for the 2017-18 hockey season.
“It was tough making the final decision to go to Acadia, but they showed a lot of interest in me,” said Southam. “I think going out east will be good for my hockey career.”
After playing two-plus seasons with the Tri-City Americans, the Rockets acquired Southam early in the 2014-15 WHL season. The hardnosed veteran, who served as the club’s captain each of the last two years, said his time in Kelowna prepared him well for the next step.
“The Rockets helped me with a lot…. not only in my hockey career, but in maturing me into a man,” Southam said. “I believe they did an amazing job for me and I couldn’t ask for much more.”
The Rockets’ leader finished his WHL career with 41 goals and 60 assists for 101 points in 247 games, accompanied by 329 penalty minutes.
He played 184 games with Kelowna, helping the team win the 2015 Ed Chynoweth Cup. Southam also added 57 career playoff games—52 of those with Kelowna—tallying nine goals and 16 points.
As far as school is concerned, Southam hasn’t yet decided on what classes he will take.
At Acadia, Southam will be joining a former Rockets’ teammate, forward Chance Braid.
