Rockets Lose to Blazers 6-5
September 11, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Kelowna Rockets News Release
Kelowna Rockets’ Scott Cousins in action
(Kelowna Rockets)
The Kelowna Rockets fell to the Kamloops Blazers 6-5 in overtime in their second preseason game of the season on Saturday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC.
Tied at one after the first period of play, the Blazers and Rockets exploded with eight goals between the two in the second period. After a quiet third period that had no scoring, the Blazers ended things just 45 seconds into three-on-three overtime.
Four Rockets players posted multi-point nights, with forwards Rilen Kovacevic and Nolan Flamand each posting three points on the night. Jake Poole and Andrew Cristall also posted a pair of points.
Jari Kykkanen made his second straight start for the Rockets in as many nights, playing the entire game once again. Kykkanen made 39 saves on the 45 shots he faced.
Kelowna dressed much of the same lineup from last night’s game. The only changes were that Jake Poole and Max Graham drew in, while Gabriel Szturc and Turner McMillen had the night off.
GAME SUMMARY The Rockets took the opening lead 6:30 into the game when a Blazers defenceman turned the puck over in front of the net to an awaiting Nolan Flamand (1). Emmitt Finnie (1) tied it up in the final minutes of the period with a low shot that beat Kykkanen glove side.
Starting the middle frame with 44 seconds left to go on their five-on-three power play, the Blazers capitalized with goals from Matthew Seminoff (1) and Ethan Brandwood (1). The Rockets then came back with a pair of power-play goals of their own from Scott Cousins (2) and Flamand (2). Kamloops battled back with a power play goal from Drew Englot (1) and an even-strength goal from Ashton Tait (1), leaving things tied at five through 40 minutes of action.
Cristall had the best chance for the Rockets in the third period on a breakaway that Blazers netminder Michael Schnattinger, who replaced Jesse Sanche at the midway point of the game, shut down.
Minnesota Wild prospect Caedan Bankier (1) beat Kykkanen high glove side 45 seconds into three-on-three overtime.
ADDITIONAL STATS
* Kamloops outshot Kelowna 45 to 35 * Andrew Crsitall led the Rockets in shot attempts with eight * Kelowna was 2/4 on the power play while the Blazers were 3/4
UP NEXT The Rockets will be back in action on Tuesday, September 13th when they host the Victoria Royals at Prospera Place at 7:05 pm.
Single game tickets for Tuesday’s game as well as the other home preseason game on Friday, September 16th and the Rockets home opener on September 24th are now available at Select Your Tickets.
Tickets can be purchased online through www.selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office, or by phone at 250-762-5050. Two dollars from each preseason ticket sold will be donated to Cops For Kids. ________________________________ Interested in season tickets? The Rockets will be hosting an open house Sunday, Sept. 11 from 12 pm to 3 pm at Prospera Place.
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