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WHL Kelowna Rockets

Cougars outduel Rockets in shootout

January 5, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release


Kelowna Rockets battle the Prince George Cougars for the puck
Kelowna Rockets battle the Prince George Cougars for the puck
(Kelowna Rockets, Credit: Marissa Baecker)

The Kelowna Rockets were downed by the Prince George Cougars 2-1 in a shootout on Friday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC.

The Rockets and Cougars went back and forth throughout the first, but neither team could find the back of the net in the first twenty minutes.

Kelowna was awarded their third power play of the night when Joel Lakusta high sticked a Rocket. It would take the Rockets just four seconds to capitalize on the man advantage, Conner Bruggen-Cate (4) got his shot past Cougars starter, Taylor Gauthier at 14:28. The Rockets headed into the second intermission with a 1-0 lead.

Prince George's Jackson Leppard (8) got the puck past Rockets netminder, James Porter 10:47 into the third while on the power play to tie the game. The game was tied 1-1 after 60 minutes, extra time was needed to decide a winner.

The two teams exchanged chances throughout a thrilling overtime. Lassi Thomson looked like he had sealed the deal for the Rockets, but nailed the post. After five minutes, the game headed to a shootout.

Kelowna elected to shoot first, sending rookie Ethan Ernst to take the first shot. Ernst was unsuccessful. Prince George's Ethan Browne shot first for the Cougars, he was denied by Porter. The second shooter for Kelowna, Nolan Foote fired a shot past Gauthier. Vladislav Mikhalchuk answered for the Cougars, flipping one past Porter. In the third round, Leif Mattson's attempt was unsuccessful. Tyson Upper scored for the Cougars to give Prince George the victory.

Kelowna's record is now 17-17-3-1.

James Porter stopped 27 of the 28 shots he faced, his record is now 5-7-2-1. The Cougars outshot the Rockets 28-27.

Kelowna is back in action tomorrow night when they head to Kamloops to face the Blazers at 7:00 pm at the Sandman Centre. They'll return home to host the Moose Jaw Warriors Wednesday, January 9th for Hat Trick Wednesday. Tickets are on sale at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.

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Images from this story

Kelowna Rockets battle the Prince George Cougars for the puck
Kelowna Rockets battle the Prince George Cougars for the puck
(Marissa Baecker)		   



Western Hockey League Stories from January 5, 2019


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