Rockets pick up first win of 2023 exhibition schedule
The Kelowna Rockets picked up their first win of 2023 with a 4-2 victory over the Kamloops Blazers on Saturday at Prospera Place.
It was a different story from the night before, where Kelowna fell 4-2 in Kamloops. Veterans Max Graham and John Babcock both posted three points on the night, while goaltenders Nathan Kam and Jari Kykkanen split the playing time in net for Kelowna.
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, Turner McMillen, Andrew Cristall, Ismail Abougouche, Marek Rocak and Caden Price were all scratched for the game.
GAME SUMMARY
Max Graham (1) opened the scoring 6:15 into the game with a one-timer from the high slot.
Logan Peskett (1) took off on a breakaway, beating Blazers starter Matthew Kieper early into the second frame. Shea Van Olm (3) pulled Kamloops back within one with a power play tally.
The Rockets power play was able to capitalize on a one-timer from Tij Iginla (1) just before the midway point in the third. Iginla later set up John Babcock (1) with the insurance goal of the game. Van Olm (4) tallied his second power play goal before the end of the game.
There are no highlights for preseason games. To view the box score from tonight’s game click here.
ADDITIONAL STATS
- Kelowna was 1/5 on the powerplay, while Kamloops was 2/5
- Both teams recorded 31 shots on net
- Nathan Kam (14/15) and Jari Kykkanen (15/16) split the playing time for the Rockets
- Matthew Kieper (19/21) and Logan Edmonstone (8/10) split the playing time for the Blazers
UP NEXT
The Rockets have the week off until the weekend when they’ll wrap up the preseason with a pair of home games.
Kelowna will host Vancouver on Friday and Victoria on Saturday – puck drop is set for 7:05 pm both nights. Tickets are on sale now at Select Your Tickets, the official ticket provider of the Rockets.
Tickets 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 4:00p.m. Monday through Friday, and opens at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday home game days.
Don’t miss a minute of the action this season with season tickets. Learn more about Rockets 2023-24 season tickets here.
