John Szabo’s First Year a New Beginning with the Blazers
By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X
19-year-old John Szabo was acquired by the Kamloops Blazers early into the 2024-25 campaign from the Edmonton Oil Kings. Szabo had played three full seasons with the Oil Kings and was comfortable in his routine in Edmonton.
When Szabo first arrived in Kamloops, he wasn’t sure what to expect. As a newcomer to the Blazers organization, the transition could have been a bit overwhelming. However, after a season with the team, Szabo can confidently say that the experience exceeded his expectations. “It was really good,” he says, reflecting on the start of his season. “A little hesitant at first, but I got really comfortable with the guys. The city welcomed me tremendously, and it became a great place to be. I’m really happy I ended up here.”
Szabo’s role on the team was clear from the beginning—he was an energy player, the kind who would never shy away from a challenge. Known for his gritty, no-nonsense style, Szabo was the guy who stood up for his teammates, one who wouldn’t hesitate to throw his weight around to protect his own, and that was evident in the final home game when he bulldozed Vancouver Giants defenceman Mazden Leslie over for a late hit. “I think it comes from just who I am as a person,” he explains. “I’m pretty simple. I like sticking up for my guys. If I see someone go down, I want to be the first guy in there to defend them.”
It’s a mindset that has served him well throughout his hockey career, from minor league days to his first season in the WHL. But stepping up to the WHL was a different challenge entirely. “The biggest challenge is the scale of it all,” Szabo admits. “This is the best league in Western Canada. The competition is fierce, and with 68 games in the season, it’s tough to be at your best all the time. You have to find a way to push through, even when you’re exhausted.”
Despite the challenges, Szabo found a strong support system in the locker room. A standout teammate—someone he could lean on—was Blazers captain Emmitt Finnie. “He’s been amazing to have around,” Szabo says. “I grew up playing with him and against him, so it was great to finally be on the same team and look up to him, both on and off the ice.” The two are both from Lethbridge, Alberta and played their minor hockey against one another.
But even with the camaraderie and the great support from his teammates, the season didn’t unfold the way the Blazers had hoped. They fought hard for the last 20 games of the season, pushing to make the playoffs, but ultimately fell short. “It was upsetting,” Szabo confesses. “We didn’t get in, and we really wanted a shot. But there’s a lot to take from this season, the experience we had as a team. It’s going to help us next year when we push for a playoff spot again.”
Looking ahead, Szabo knows what he needs to work on during the offseason to come back stronger. “Skating is definitely something I want to improve. I’m a bigger guy, so it’s always important to work on speed. And conditioning—after such a long season, you need to be at the top of your game. I’ll definitely be hitting the weight room and refining my on-ice skills.”
Off the ice, he finds peace in the simple things—spending time with family, hitting the golf course, and enjoying the great outdoors. “My family and I head out to Eastern BC, around Cranbrook, for camping. Being outside, with my family and friends, is a perfect way to unwind after the season.”
Szabo will be one of a few 20-year-old veterans fighting for a roster spot next season.