Kelowna Falls to Vancouver

September 18, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Kelowna Rockets News Release

Kelowna Rockets battle Vancouver Giants
(Kelowna Rockets, Credit: ROB WILTON)

The Kelowna Rockets closed out their preseason schedule with a 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Giants on Saturday night in Maple Ridge, BC.

After a scoreless first period, Vancouver jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second with a pair of power play goals from Colton Roberts (1) and Jaden Lipinski (1).

The Rockets cut the Giants lead in half 11 seconds into the third period with a power play goal of their own from Gabriel Szturc (3), Rilen Kovacevic (1) tallied another power play goal to tie the game. Lipinski (2) beat Rockets starter Nicholas Cristiano with 1:12 left with the game-winner.

Nicholas Cristiano made his third straight start of the preseason stopping 19 of the 22 shots he faced.

The Rockets dressed just nine forwards; Andrew Cristall, Nolan Flamand, Jake Poole, Turner McMillen, Ethan Neutens, Colton Dach and Dylan Wightman were all scratched.

Kelowna finishes the preseason with a record of 3-1-1-0.

ADDITIONAL STATS

Gabriel Szturc registered a goal and an assist, as well as five shots on net

Kelowna outshot Victoria 40 to 22

The Rockets were 2/6 on the power play while the Giants were 2/4

UP NEXT

The Rockets are off until their 2022-23 regular-season home opener on Saturday, September 24 against the Portland Winterhawks at 7:05 pm.

Single game tickets for the 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.

Tickets for the remaining Rockets regular-season home games will go on sale on September 29th at Select Your Tickets.

Season tickets are still available, don’t miss a minute of the Rockets action and secure yours today.

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