Game Day Report: Blazers Take on Rockets for Second Straight Night
Published on March 5, 2016 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kamloops Blazers News Release
After picking up two points in dramatic fashion last night, the Blazers will hit the road to square off against the Kelowna Rockets for the second game of a home-and-home series.
The Blazers won 3-2 last night despite getting outshot 55-24 in the game. Kamloops was without Gage Quinney (suspension), and both Ryan Rehill (game misconduct) and Jake Kryski (broken nose) were lost in the second period. But with a depleted lineup and only five defensemen, the Blazers held off a powerful Rockets lineup and limited Kelowna to few quality scoring chances.
"It wasn't textbook but two points are really important to us", Head Coach Don Hay said. "The two points is what's most important. Hanging in there is what's important."
The victory marked the Blazers first win over the Rockets since March 13th, 2015, ending a span of six straight losses to their B.C. Division rival. That victory last March was the Blazers only win against the Rockets in 10 tries last season (1-8-0-1).
"I don't think [Friday night's win] is as big as last year, I know we picked up a big win against these guys at the end of last year", Connor Ingram said, who made a season-high 53 saves and was the game's first star on Friday night. "We know we're a good team this year and we know we can knock off giants like that. It's a confidence thing for sure but I don't think it's as impactful as a win last year might've been."
Kamloops' two points combined with a loss in regulation for the Prince George Cougars put the Blazers only three points back of third place in their Division with a game in hand. The Blazers now sit eight points up on the ninth-place Tri-City Americans in the Western Conference.
With seven games to go on the regular season schedule, the Blazers will likely face any of Kelowna, Victoria, Seattle or Everett in round one of the playoffs.
"It's just getting to the playoffs and wherever it is, it is. Once we get there we'll think about it", Ingram said. "Until we get there nothing's for sure, so we just need to keep picking up points and that's all you can think about."
Puck drop at Prospera Place in Kelowna is at 7:00pm.
Western Hockey League Stories from March 5, 2016
- Americans Snap Skid, Win 5-3 in Everett - Tri-City Americans
- Blazers Edge Kelowna 3-2 for Second Straight Night - Kelowna Rockets
- Winterhawks Fall 2-1 in Seattle Saturday - Portland Winterhawks
- Kamloops gets past Kelowna - Kelowna Rockets
- Tigers Can't Corral Broncos - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Hockey Hounds Game Worn Jersey Draw - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Blades Rebound To Get Back In The Win Collum - Saskatoon Blades
- Rylan Parenteau makes 31 saves in Prince Albert victory over Lethbridge - Prince Albert Raiders
- Rockets Athletic Therapist Scott Hoyer Honoured by BC Hockey Hall - Kelowna Rockets
- Rockets Athletic Therapist Scott Hoyer Honoured by BC Hockey Hall of Fame - Kelowna Rockets
- Game Day Report: Blazers Take on Rockets for Second Straight Night - Kamloops Blazers
- Blazers Beat Rockets 3-2 on CCM Propac Night - Kamloops Blazers
- Wheat Kings Rally Sinks Warriors - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Tigers Sweep Season Series vs. Edmonton - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Game 66: March 5 vs. Swift Current - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Blazers Take Weekend Opener 3-2 in Kamloops - Kelowna Rockets
- Bow Bedevils Tips to Put T-Birds in First Place - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Hannoun Hat-Trick Leads Royals Past Giants - Vancouver Giants
- Americans' Road Woes Continue, Lose 5-3 to Portland - Tri-City Americans
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