Kelowna Advances to MasterCard Memorial Cup Semi-Final
May 29, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
Quebec City, QC - The Kelowna Rockets exploded against the host Quebec Remparts on Friday night in the MasterCard Memorial Cup Semi-Final with a 9-3 win to advance to Sunday's Final.
Sunday's appearance will mark the third time the Rockets have advanced to the MasterCard Memorial Cup Final. The Club was defeated by Windsor in the tournament finale in 2009 and won the Memorial Cup as hosts in 2004. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on Sunday with the Final televised nationally on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
With a packed Pepsi Colisee cheering on the hosts, the Remparts struck first on a goal by Adam Erne just 3:11 in. Veteran acquisition Chance Braid leveled the score for Kelowna at the 9:51 mark and the two Clubs skated to a 1-1 draw after 20 minutes.
The Rockets exploded in the second period after Edmonton Oilers prospect Leon Draisaitl found the back of the net 17 seconds in. Two goals by Justin Kirkland just 43 seconds apart and another by Josh Morrissey late gave the WHL Champions a commanding 5-1 lead after two periods of play.
Anthony Duclair struck early in the third for Quebec, but the Rockets proved to be too much on the night as Kelowna skated to a 9-3 victory.
Game Summary Game Highlights Photos: Available at www.chlimages.ca (Credit: Aaron Bell/CHL Images) or via Dropbox (Credit: Vincent Ethier)
Eight Rockets had multiple-point efforts on Friday, including Rourke Chartier who potted his first two goals of the tournament. Kirkland also broke out in a big way with a four-point (2g-2a) night en route to being named the game's second star. With a goal and two assists, Draisaitl was named the game's first star. Draisaitl also becomes the tournament's leading scorer with seven points (4g-3a) through four games played.
Jackson Whistle made 20 saves for the Rockets while Zach Fucale turned aside 35. The Rockets went 3/6 on the powerplay, while Quebec was 1/7 with the man advantage.
The 2015 MasterCard Memorial Cup is proudly supported by MasterCard, title sponsor of this event for 17 straight years. Associate sponsors include BMO Bank of Montreal, SUBWAY, Cooper Tires, and autoTRADER.ca.
Western Hockey League Stories from May 29, 2015
- Rockets defeat Quebec - Kelowna Rockets
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- Guhle Invited to 2015 NHL Combine - Prince Albert Raiders
- Rockets Meet Quebec Remparts in MasterCard Memorial Cup Semi Final Tonight - Kelowna Rockets
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