The Peterborough Petes selected Roulston 13th overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, and the St. Catharines native has wasted little time making his presence felt.
Roulston scored four goals and added an assist in four preseason games, giving him five points in his first taste of OHL exhibition action.
The 6-foot-1, 188-pound centre also brings plenty of size for a player who won't turn 17 until March, and he's looking to use whatever tools the Petes need from him.
“Just whatever the team needs, whatever the coaches want out of me is what I’m going to try and bring to the table.”
Roulston spent the summer preparing for his first season away from home, with much of his focus on getting better every day.
“Mostly it was really strict this summer for me. I just wanted to get better every day.”
There was also plenty of time for family before making the move to Peterborough for the season, including movie nights and time on the couch.
“It’s going to be a big year and it’s obviously first time away from home. So we definitely soaked it in.”
The transition to Peterborough has gone smoothly so far, with Roulston joining a billet household that includes two other Petes players.
“It’s been really good. We have two other players in with me and it’s been really fun so far. I’m really enjoying it.”
Roulston also already has an appreciation for the history surrounding the Petes. Walking around the Memorial Centre and seeing the photos and other reminders of the franchise's past has given the rookie a glimpse of what he hopes his own future in Peterborough can look like.
“I remember like we’ve been warming up around here and I’ve just been kind of looking at all the pictures and just knowing that that’s going to be this team one day and it’s I think it’s really cool.”
And while the preseason numbers have certainly been encouraging, Roulston knows there is a bigger goal for the Petes this season.
“Yeah, for sure. That’s what we’re looking to do this year. It’s win or nothing. That’s what we want to do. We want to win a championship.”
For now, Roulston is simply looking forward to experiencing the Memorial Centre with the lights on and the fans in the building.
“I knew about the PMC. I just knew about the fans and how loud it can get. So we’re really excited.”
