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
Rodewald’s decision to move to Europe in 2020 marked a significant shift in his career trajectory, and it’s where he truly began to shine. His first season with Ocelari Trinec in the Czech Extraliga saw him post 15 points in 22 games and contribute in the playoffs, tallying nine points in 16 games and helping Trinec secure a league championship. He also scored the championship-clinching goal in the finals After his strong season in the Czech Republic, Rodewald moved to Finland’s Liiga with TPS Turku. There, he continued to display the versatile skill set that has become a hallmark of his game, proving his adaptability to the European style of play. In Turku, Rodewald contributed 22 (12+10) points in 50 regular-season games, with just six PIMs.
Joining the KHL
With his move to the KHL in the 2022-2023 season with Kunlun Red Star, Rodewald found a new stage to showcase his skills. Despite playing on a team with limited success, he stood out, registering 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in 52 games with the Dragons. This strong showing established him as a notable KHL import, and he soon transitioned to Admiral Vladivostok after a short stint with Traktor. In the Far East, his impact on the ice has only grown. His physical presence, coupled with a sharp scoring ability, has made him one of the most reliable forwards for Admiral.
Last week, Rodewald’s performance earned him KHL the Best forward honors, following a standout display with five points in three games, including back-to-back game-winning goals. This recognition highlights his growing influence in the league and the invaluable role he’s playing in Admiral’s lineup. As a player with a balanced blend of North American and European hockey experience, Rodewald is well-positioned to continue his impact in the KHL, where his hard-nosed style and scoring touch make him a vital asset for Admiral’s playoff ambitions.
Considering that he scored again in the recent Admiral’s losing effort against Metallurg (2:3 OT), it looks like the Sailors found a new leader with the potential to lead the team to another exciting postseason run.
