WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), are pleased to announce that 2005-born skater Kurt Rookes has signed a Scholarship and Development Agreement with the organization, ahead of the team’s inaugural regular season in the WHL. Rookes competed at Wenatchee’s training camp before appearing in three games for the Wild during the preseason.
“Kurt came to camp with a goal of earning a roster spot in the WHL,” said Wenatchee director of scouting Leigh Mendelson. “With his character, competitiveness and work ethic, he has accomplished that goal.”
Rookes is a two-way player for the Wild, playing two preseason games on defense while suiting up at right wing for Saturday’s win at the Tri-City Americans. He picked up five goals and 12 assists last season for the Waywayseecappo Wolverines of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) in 54 appearances, after playing the previous four seasons with the Yellowhead Chiefs AAA program in his home province.
He says he looks forward to bringing a physical style of play and utility presence to the ice for the Wild, but is excited to develop his quickness and the finer details of his game while with the club.
“I’m very excited. It’s been a longtime dream for me, so it’s a good time to finally get it done,” said Rookes. “I’m excited to do it here, too, with an organization like Wenatchee. I had a lot of good coaches in Wayway, so that helped me a lot, and they really got me ready to move on to the next level. I really thank them for that. It’s been a lot of fun.”
The Wenatchee Wild congratulate Kurt Rookes on signing his Scholarship & Development Agreement with the club, and proudly welcome him to the Wild family.
