Rockets Blank Chiefs

r The Kelowna Rockets won their 3^rd of 4 games since the holiday break when they dumped Spokane 3-0 on Friday night.

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r And, the team couldn’t have picked a better time to get hot. Historically, the season’s second half separates the contenders from the pretenders as the best players heat up and the strongest line-ups mesh.

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r On Friday night, the Rockets displayed flawless team structure and some opportunistic scoring – both crucial components of winning hockey. But, most importantly, they had the Kris Lazaruk in goal as a rock solid last line of defense.

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r Lazaruk stopped 21 shots to earn First Star honours with which he wrapped his 4^th shut out of the season. While evening his record at 12-12 on the year, the former Kootenay goalie improved his save percentage to .879 as he continues to battle back from a terrible start to the year.

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r Lucas Bloodoff had a pair of goals for the Rockets, including an empty-net clincher with Kelowna a man short in the game’s final minute. Brandon McMillan added a single while Cody Almond’s one assist and strong overall effort earned him the Second Star award.

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r Meanwhile, 15-year-old affiliated player, Shane McColgan turned in a strong game and excited the home fans anxious for his full time debut next season. The California-native took a regular shift alongside Almond and Bloodoff and made an impact with his speed, grit and hands. Though he took a pair of third period minors, McColgan was easily among the Rockets’ best forwards.

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r Lucas Bloodoff opened the scoring at 10:37 of the first by doing what he does best – going hard to the net. Tysen Dowzak centered the puck off the rush and it glanced home off Bloodoff’s leg.

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r McMillan made it 2-0 when he fooled James Reid with a rising wrist shot from the top of the left wing circle at 3:06 of the second period. Moments later, Lazaruk stood his ground to foil Anthony Bardaro who was in alone.

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r Later in the middle frame, Lazaruk sparkled again when he stuffed Seth Compton with a lightning-quick right pad. At the other end, Reid atoned for his gaffe on the McMillan goal with a sprawling stop of a Colin Long rebound try.

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r In the third, the Rockets refused to stray from their game plan and continue to muck up the Spokane attack with sound positioning and puck support. And, when they had the puck, they consistently sent it to safe places.

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r Lazaruk was forced to make just 5 third period saves despite 3 Spokane power plays. Reid, in fact, made the save of the period when he stopped Almond on a 3 on 1 Kelowna rush.

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r With McColgan in the box for high-sticking, Reid was called to the bench for an extra attacker. Moments later, Almond stole the puck in the neutral zone and sent an unselfish pass to Bloodoff who walked the puck into the gaping goal.

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r Both teams were missing key components who’re in Ottawa at the World Junior Championships. Four Chiefs, Drayson Bowman, Tyler Johnson, Mitch Wahl and Dustin Tokarski are there along with Jamie Benn, Stepan Novotny and Tyler Myers of the Rockets.

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r The Rockets continue their 7-game home-stand on Saturday when the Moose Jaw Warriors invade Prospera Place.

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