Nanaimo’s Ronan Gow selected by Lethbridge Hurricanes

Gow will return to Delta Hockey Academy next season to suit up for its U18 Prep team.

He’s coming off a productive campaign as the U15 squad captain, compiling 26 goals and 52 points in 30 regular season outings, good for second on team scoring.

Gow added two goals and five points in three playoff appearances.

He said Delta Hockey Academy is providing him with a strong climate to support his on and off-ice growth, including being on the ice and in the gym consistently.

Development doesn’t stop at school for the play-driving centre.

“I shoot a lot at home, stickhandle at home with my billet brother every day, we rollerblade. That’s been a big part of my development.”

The left-shooting pivot describes himself as a power forward who uses his speed, shot, and size to his advantage.

“I like to play a 200-foot game, I’m very physical, and I like putting the puck in the net,” Gow said.

The nearly 6’2”, 174-pound Gow said working on the mental side of the game, faceoffs, as well as improving his speed and strength are areas he’s working on.

Gow credits his early less pressure-packed minor hockey days in Nanaimo in helping him get to where he is today.

Ronan Gow was picked by the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft nearly three decades after the same organization selected his father in what was then the Bantam draft. (Image Credit: Lethbridge Hurricanes)

History repeats itself

Gow’s father Tyler, head coach of the VIJHL’s Nanaimo Buccaneers, was pleased to hear the Hurricanes selected his son.

It brought back memories of the 1997 WHL Bantam Draft, when the Lethbridge Hurricanes selected defenceman Tyler Gow, who opted for the BCHL route, including a three-year run with his hometown Clippers.

Ronan’s uncle and great grandfather also played junior hockey in the southern Alberta city.

“It seems very fitting,” Tyler said.

Leading up to the WHL Prospects Draft has been both stressful and exciting, he added.

“It’s definitely nerve-wracking and a ton of emotions are involved when you see your kid put in the effort and work hard for things all year, and it’s nice when you hear his name called and see all of that come true.”

Ronan Gow’s hockey journey saw him take the lead on moving from Nanaimo at just 13-years-old in pursuit of his hockey dreams on the Lower Mainland.

Tyler said his son has successfully handled hockey and school while away from home.

“That speaks volumes for where his head is at, how much he enjoys playing hockey, and where he wants to go with it.”

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by Ian Holmes

Nanaimo’s Ronan Gow selected by Lethbridge Hurricanes

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