The ѻý Rockets are pleased to announce that defenceman Mazden Leslie will suit up for the club in the 2025–26 WHL season. Leslie, who was acquired from the Vancouver Giants in May, has informed the organization that he will report to ѻý for the upcoming season after deciding to decommit from his NCAA path with Bowling Green State University.
The 6’1”, 202-pound right-shot defenceman from Lloydminster brings four seasons of WHL experience and a proven offensive pedigree to a ѻý lineup preparing to host the 2026 Memorial Cup.
“Mazden is a player we identified early as someone who could make a significant impact during our host year,” said Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton. “He has proven himself as a top-end defender in our league, and we’re excited to welcome him to ѻý as a leader on and off the ice.”
Originally selected by the Giants in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft, Leslie has since developed into one of the leagueѻý premier offensive defencemen. He served as Vancouverѻý captain last season and posted a career-best 72 points (21G, 51A) in 66 games. Across 280 career WHL games, Leslie has amassed 190 points (57G, 133A).
He also brings valuable playoff experience, having appeared in 21 postseason games and recording 8 points (2G, 6A). This announcement comes a week after Leslieѻý return from the Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp.