Kodiaks esports adds decorated Rocket League player

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks esports program has added accomplished Rocket League player Alex Vervecken to its roster. 

A graduate of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI), Vervecken competed for the LCI Samurai Rocket League team, where he helped build one of the province's most successful scholastic esports programs. He will enter the Criminal Justice – Policing program at Lethbridge Polytechnic this fall. 

Vervecken's resume includes two national championships, two provincial championships, two Alberta Esports Championship finalist appearances, a High School Esports League championship and a league MVP award. 

Kodiaks esports co-ordinator Christian Epp says Vervecken's ability to adapt and contribute in a variety of roles made him a standout recruit. 

“First impressions of Alex were that he is an impressive young man who knows what he wants,” says Epp. “He is jumping right into the Criminal Justice program right out of high school. I am excited to see how a go-getter like Alex does while repping a Kodiaks jersey.” 

Vervecken says the opportunity to continue competing while pursuing his desired program made Lethbridge Polytechnic an easy choice. 

“I was influenced by the high success rate of the Criminal Justice program,” says Vervecken. “I also chose to sign with the Kodiaks because I believe I can improve the team and my own skills with a fresh roster.” 

Epp first saw Vervecken compete at the 2025 Alberta Esports Championship in Calgary, where the LCI Samurai impressed with their teamwork and decisive play. The recruiting process later continued through conversations with LCI coach John Thai, and Vervecken also had the opportunity to scrimmage against the Kodiaks during the high school season, helping build connections between the two programs.  

“Alex isn't afraid to get up in there, forcing plays, demoing or bumping opponents,” says LCI coach, Will Kellett. “His physical style earned him the nickname, The Golden Goon, but he's also a clutch goal scorer who always seems to find himself in the right place at the right time.” 

Vervecken says he is excited to compete and continue developing his skills at the collegiate level. 

“I hope to bring my talents from my LCI team to the Kodiaks,” says Vervecken. “I take this game very seriously and can guarantee my dedication and willingness to achieve success.” 

Epp says Vervecken's strong grasp of the game gives him a solid foundation to build on, and he expects him to continue developing under the guidance of coach Jaston Wickend while helping strengthen the Kodiaks roster.  

“I think he is a well-rounded player who has a ton of potential,” says Epp. “He played at the pinnacle of high school esports and won championships. If Alex continues to grow at the rate he has, I have no doubt he will help build the Kodiaks esports legacy.” 

Vervecken thanks his coaches and teammates for their support throughout his esports career, crediting them for helping him develop both as a player and a teammate.