RECAP: Rockets fall in preseason opener

The Kelowna Rockets opened their 2023 preseason schedule with a 4-2 loss to the Kamloops Blazers on Friday night at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops, BC.

Fifteen-year-old forwards Owen Folstrom, Kanjyu Gojsic and sixteen-year-old defencemen Lachlan Staniforth and Jackson Gillespie all dressed for the Rockets. Returning players from last season Marcus Pacheco, Michael Cicek, Dylan Wightman, Andrew Cristall, Ismail Abougouche and Caden Price were all scratched for the game.

GAME SUMMARY

Sixteen-year-old Hudson Closson (1) opened the scoring 4:36 into the first period, putting the puck past Rockets starter Jari Kykkanen. Trae Johnson was called for hooking six seconds after Closson’s goal, veteran Shea Van Olm (1) capitalized on the man advantage pushing Kamloops out to a 2-0 lead 5:41 into the game.

Ethan Mittelsteadt’s (1) shot from the high slot pulled the Rockets within one early into the second frame.

At the midway point of the third period, defenceman Landon Cowper (1) tied the game at two. Ashton Tait (1) pushed back for the Blazers late in the period, Shea Van Olm (2) added an empty net goal before time expired.

To view the box score from tonight’s game click here.