Rockets Fall, 2-0
Published on November 23, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release
Kelowna Rockets' Jari Kykkanen on game night
(Kelowna Rockets, Credit: Paige Bednorz/Kelowna Rockets)
The Kelowna Rockets were blanked 2-0 by the Seattle Thunderbirds on Wednesday in Kent, Wa.
It was a penalty-filled game that saw both teams combine for eight power-play attempts but struggle to capitalize on the man advantage.
Jari Kykkanen earned the second star of the game after stopping 35 of the 36 shots fired on him, while Buffalo Sabres prospect Scott Ratzlaff stopped all 19 Rockets shots he faced for his seventh career shutout.
Both teams were in action last night, with the T-Birds playing in Kennewick against the Tri-City Americans and the Rockets bussing down to Kent following their game against Lethbridge last night.
The Thunderbirds were able to convert on their first power play of the game, to open the scoring 5:10 into the second period after Eric Alarie (8) put the rebound past Rockets starter Jari Kykkanen. The Rockets continued to find themselves in penalty trouble throughout the period, Hiroki Gojsic took a tripping penalty 43 seconds later that they were able to kill off. Defenceman Ethan Mittelsteadt's night came to an early end just over two minutes later after he was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for cross-checking, Kelowna was able to limit the T-Birds to just one dangerous shot on goal during the kill. John Babcock, who took the initial penalty that resulted in the T-Birds goal earlier in the frame, found his way back to the box at 13:51, but the Rockets penalty killers were able to hold off the Thunderbirds.
The Rockets began the third period with a power play that carried over into the third period that they were unable to capitalize on. Kelowna once again found themselves on the man advantage 1:42 into the third and again at 16:18 but could solve Scott Ratzlaff. Simon Lovsin (2) sent the puck from the high slot of his own end down the ice and into the empty Rockets net.
ADDITIONAL STATS
- The Rockets record is now 8-13-2-0
- Seattle shutdown five man advantages, while they were successful on one of three attempts
- The Thunderbirds outshot the Rockets 37 to 19
- Andrew Cristall, Kayden Longley and Trae Johnson missed the game with injuries, while Jackson DeSouza was a scratches
- It was the first of four meetings between the two this season, who will face off again on Saturday at Prospera Place.
UP NEXT
Kelowna and Seattle will meet up again on Saturday at Prospera Place for the Rockets annual Orchard Ford Teddy Bear Toss.
Fans are asked to bring new stuffed animals that are no taller than 12 inches. Bags and twist ties will be available at the rink. When the Rockets score the team's first goal, fans can throw the stuffed animals onto the ice which will then be donated to donated to patients at Kelowna General Hospital.
Single Game Tickets for all Rockets games can be purchased:
- Online at selectyourtickets.com
- By calling Select Your Tickets at 250-762-5050
- Or by visiting the Select Your Tickets box office at the Prospera Place box office. The box office is open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and opens at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday home game days.
Six and twelve game Mini Packs for the Kelowna Rockets season are now on sale through Select Your Tickets.
Images from this story
 Kelowna Rockets' Jari Kykkanen on game night (Paige Bednorz/Kelowna Rockets) |
Western Hockey League Stories from November 23, 2023
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- Melnyk Scores First as a Blade, Saskatoon Falls 6-2 in Everett - Saskatoon Blades
- Mirwald Records First Shutout as Giants Blank Chiefs 3-0 - Vancouver Giants
- Silvertips Take Down Eastern Conference Leading Blades 6-2 - Everett Silvertips
- Slow Start Sinks Chiefs as Giants Score 3 in the First, Win 3-0 - Spokane Chiefs
- Hawks Win Shootout Thriller 4-3 - Portland Winterhawks
- Rockets Fall, 2-0 - Kelowna Rockets
- Pats Drop First Game of Alberta Road Trip - Regina Pats
- Tigers Make Hay In 8-0 Win Over Pats - Medicine Hat Tigers
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