Man of the Week: Jack Rodewald

KHL.ru’s weekly column goes on with Jack Rodewald. The Canadian forward is on fire recently, with two straight game-winning goals last week and the title of best forward with five points scored. The Sailors are currently the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, and can even improve, also thanks to the forward’s points.

Early years

Jack Rodewald’s rise in hockey traces back to his roots in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he was born on Feb. 14, 1994. Winnipeg is a city known for producing hockey talent, with some players even making their mark in the KHL. While Winnipeg has seen alumni like Brandon Bochenski and Nigel Dawes find success in the league, Rodewald is carving out his own legacy in Russia’s top-flight league.

Rodewald’s early hockey days saw him play for the Regina Pats and Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL. His junior career, especially his final season in Moose Jaw, showcased his scoring prowess — Rodewald posted 85 points (35 goals, 50 assists) across 71 games. During this period, he faced off against future KHL players, including defenseman Jesse Blacker, now with Avtomobilist. Rodewald’s time in the WHL laid a foundation that he would carry into professional hockey, where he faced the challenge of going undrafted but found a foothold in North America’s development leagues.

Ranking up

After juniors, Rodewald transitioned to the pro ranks, working his way up from the ECHL to the AHL. Early in his career, he played for the Toronto Marlies and later with the Belleville Senators, proving his resilience and skill in North America’s competitive farm system.

In the AHL, he played alongside or against other future KHL players like former Belleville teammate Vitaly Abramov, now a top player for CSKA. Though he had only a brief opportunity in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators — appearing in ten games across two seasons — Rodewald’s solid work ethic and adaptability would eventually pave the way for his success abroad.

Move to Europe

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