Rockets Bounce Royals 7-2

April 20, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL) - Kelowna Rockets News Release

Kelowna Rockets left wing Mark Liwiski celebrates a goal vs. the Victoria Royals
(Kelowna Rockets, Credit: Paige Bednorz/Kelowna Rockets)

Both Dylan Wightman and David Kope had three points on the night, Roman Basran posted his first win of the season after stopping 26 of 28 shots.

Wightman, an undrafted Kelowna product, netted both his first and second Western Hockey League goals.

David Kope (1) scored his first as a Rocket to open the scoring 2:31 into the game. Brayden Tracey (7) tied things up on the powerplay just past the midway point of the period. Trevor Wong (5) stayed hot, restoring the lead just over two minutes later. Mark Liwiski (2) expanded the lead on the power play towards the end of the first 20 minutes.

Dylan Wightman (1) pounced on a rebound to net his first Western Hockey League goal 1:5o into the second. 2005 born Andrew Cristall (2) wired home a one-timer on the power play, his second goal in as many games. Brandon Cutler (4) brought the Royals within three.

Both Wightman (2) and Liwiski (3) found the back of the net for the second time on the night in the third.

The Rockets power play was perfect on the night, going two for two, the penalty kill only gave up one goal on seven chances.

Kelowna outshot the Royals 32-28.

The Rockets record is now 3-1-0-0.

Rilen Kovacevic, Elias Carmichael, Alex Swetlikoff, Ethan Ernst, Jackson DeSouza and Cole Scwebius were the Rockets scratches.

Defenceman William Irvine made his WHL debut, while goaltender Nicholas Cristiano backed up Roman Basran for his first appearance in a Rockets uniform.

Kelowna head to the Sandman Centre to take on the Kamloops Blazers tomorrow night, puck drop is set for 7:00 pm PT.

Kelowna Rockets left wing Mark Liwiski celebrates a goal vs. the Victoria Royals (Paige Bednorz/Kelowna Rockets)

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Western Hockey League Stories from April 20, 2021

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• WHL Announces Changes to Regular Season Games - WHL
• Restaurant Workers Appreciation Week Nets Nearly $4,000 in Donations - Spokane Chiefs
• Game Preview: Blades at Pats - Saskatoon Blades
• 3-Goal Second Period Lifts Warriors Past Raiders - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Rockets Bounce Royals 7-2 - Kelowna Rockets
• Giants Climb into First Place After a 2-1 Victory over Prince George - Vancouver Giants
• Raiders Fall in Final Meeting of Season with Warriors - Prince Albert Raiders
• Rebels Finish Strong But Fall Just Short at Medicine Hat - Red Deer Rebels
• Tigers Sweep Rebels - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Royals Dropped by Rockets - Victoria Royals
• Desjardins Reclaims Franchise Record - Medicine Hat Tigers

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