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WHL Kelowna Rockets

Portland (5) Kelowna (4) OT

October 15, 2017 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release


The Portland Winterhawks defeated the Kelowna Rockets
The Portland Winterhawks defeated the Kelowna Rockets
(Kelowna Rockets)

Joachim Blichfeld(2) opened the scoring for the Winterhawks capitalizing on the first power play of the night. The Hawks collected another power play goal from Kieffer Bellows(4) before Henri Jokiharju(4) scored during 4-on-4 play to give Portland a 3-0 lead. They held that lead into the second period.

5:43 into the middle frame Keoni Texeira was assessed a major for checking to the head and the Rockets took to a five minute power play. Carsen Twarynski(2) capitalized on the PP opportunity to draw Kelowna within two. With just under five minutes remaining in the period Erik Gardiner(3) beat Winterhawks goaltender Cole Kehler and the Rockets trailed 3-2 heading into the final frame.

Kyle Topping picked off a pass attempt made by goaltender Cole Kehler at 4:44 of the third period and ripped home his fourth of the season into the empty net to even things at three-a-piece. Portland quickly regained the lead as Brad Ginnell(3) notched Portland's third power play goal of the night. After Kelowna goaltender James Porter made a huge breakaway save on Ginnell to hold the Hawks to a one goal lead, the Rockets took the puck the other way and Carsen Twarynski(3) buried his second of the night to even things at 4-4. After overcoming a 3-0 deficit the Rockets took it to overtime.

Just 24 seconds into the extra frame Skyler McKenzie ended the Rockets comeback attempt winning it 5-4 in Portland's favour.

James Porter stopped 34 of 39 shots he faced as his record now sits at 1-0-1-0.

Carsen Twarynski (2G), Erik Gardiner (1G, 1A), Kyle Topping (1G, 1A), and Dillon Dube (2A) all had two-point performances.

The Rockets collect a point with their record falling to 4-2-1-1.

Kelowna and Portland are back at it tomorrow night at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum for a rematch of Saturday night. Puck drop is at 5:00pm. The Rockets then travel to Kennewick, WA for a Tuesday night meeting with the Tri-City Americans. Puck drop for that one is at 7:05pm.

The Rockets are at home again on Friday, October 20th, and again on Saturday, October 21st, when they host the Portland Winterhawks on back-to-back nights at Prospera Place.

Tickets are available for Rockets home games through selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.

Photo credit: Chad Baker

Kevin Bain | Media Relations/Web Properties | Kelowna Rockets Hockey Club 101-1223 Water Street, Kelowna BC, V1Y 9V1 Cell: 780-884-0919 | Fax 250.860.7880 kevin@kelownarockets.com | www.kelownarockets.com

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The Portland Winterhawks defeated the Kelowna Rockets
The Portland Winterhawks defeated the Kelowna Rockets
   



Western Hockey League Stories from October 15, 2017


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