Payworks Recap: Cougars (3) at Rockets (2) – Dec. 10/21
The Prince George Cougars swiped their first victory of the season against the Kelowna Rockets with a 3-2 win at Prospera Place on Saturday night.
The story of the night was the Rockets power play. Andrew Cristall scored the lone power-play goal for the Rockets, they were one-for-six on the night with the man advantage. The Rockets penalty kill shut down the lone Cougar power play of the game.
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Ethan Samson’s shot was deflected by Connor Bowie (7) past starter Colby Knight and into the Rockets net. Andrew Cristall (5) tied things up just five seconds into the Rockets first power play of the night.
Seconds after Prince George’s first chance with the man advantage came to an end, Craig Armstrong (7) scored to put the Cougars ahead once again. Viliam Kmec’s (2) shot from the point gave Prince George a two-goal lead just past the midway point of the second frame.
The Rockets were awarded four straight powerplays in the third period but were unable to capitalize. With 16:49 to play in the game, Taylor Gauthier replaced Cougars starter Tyler Brennan in net after an injury. Max Graham (6) pulled Kelowna back within late in the period.
Big man out front getting the job done
🚨 @MaxGraham04
🍎 @mcmillen_turner
🍏 Nolan Flamand pic.twitter.com/7fvygZSndm— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) December 11, 2021
Kelowna outshot Prince George 39-22.
Colby Knight made his first start for Kelowna in seven games, stopping 19 of the 22 shots he faced.
The two entered the night’s game with the Rockets leading the 12 game season series 4-0-0-0. They’ll meet up again on January 11 and 12 in Prince George.
With the loss, the Rockets record moves to 11-8-0-3.
Kelowna forward Mark Liwiski served the last of his two-game suspension tonight, he’s eligible to return to the Rockets lineup tomorrow.
The Rockets will continue their homestand tomorrow night against the Seattle Thunderbirds at 7:05 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets for all Rockets games at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.
Kelowna will host the Kamloops Blazers for the annual Orchard Ford Teddy Bear Toss game on Saturday, December 18th. Interior Health protocols require stuffed animals to be new with tags and placed in bags before being tossed onto the ice. Bags will be available at the game for fans if they need one. Fans can purchase tickets for all Rockets games at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.
