Payworks Recap: Dach’s first WHL hat trick helps Rockets snap losing streak
The Kelowna Rockets snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 5-3 win over the Kamloops Blazers on Saturday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC.
It was the final of 14 meetings between the two during the 2021-22 regular season, with the Rockets edging out the Blazers 8-4-0-2 in the season series.
“I’m really proud of what we did out there. We won the season series, our guys really dug deep,” said head coach Kris Mallette in his postgame media availability.
The game started with a fight between Rilen Kovacevic and Mathan MacPherson-Ridgewell just 2:31 into the game. The Blazers got on the board first, but the Rockets responded with four straight goals in the second frame. The Blazers pushed back with a pair in the third to make it a one-goal game, but Rockets assistant captain Colton Dach completed his first hat trick into the empty net with two seconds left on the clock.
Netminder Talyn Boyko made 28 saves on 31 shots. Adam Kydd and Pavel Novak both posted three-point nights, while Colton Dach lead the charge with an assist and three goals.
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Quinn Schmiemann (12) beat Rockets netminder Talyn Boyko 6:04 into the game with the lone goal of the opening frame.
Kelowna exploded out of the gate in the second with goals from Pavel Novak (25), Adam Kydd (14) and a pair from Colton Dach (22, 23).
Logan Stankoven (38) scored a power play goal 27 seconds into the third, minutes later Kaden Hammell (3) made it a one goal game. With two seconds left on the clock, Colton Dach (24) netted his first career hat trick.
Held goalless in his last eight games, we're gonna say that Pavel Novak was pretty pumped to light the lamp.
🚨 @pnovak111
🍎 @AdamKydd
🍏 @DoreyNoah #mnwild x #novomania pic.twitter.com/QC7g8r26iB— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) March 27, 2022
The Rockets outshot Kamloops 47-31.
Both teams were one-for-two on the power play.
The Rockets are back in action on Friday when they host the Prince George Cougars at Prospera Place. Fans can purchase their tickets online at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050. The box office is open 11:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and opens at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday home game days.
All fans attending Rockets games will need to abide by the BC Provincial Health Authority, Prospera Place and the Western Hockey League’s COVID-19 health and safety requirements which includes double vaccination and their BC vaccine card. As of March 10th, masks are optional.
