Rockets Dump PG 7-2 in Cats Home Opener
The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Prince George Cougars 7-2 in Prince George on Friday night in the first of two games between the WHL BC Division rivals this weekend.
Tyson Baillie, Colton Heffley and Justin Kirkland each score two goals as the Rockets erased a 1-0 deficit by scoring five goals in the second period to take control of the game.
Click here for the game summary
Rookie Tate Coughlin scored his first Western Hockey League goal in the third period while Austin Glover and Cole Linaker each chipped in with a pair of helpers.
Jackson Whistle was solid in the Rockets net, stopping 25 of 27 Prince George shots, including 15 in the second period.
Rockets assistant coach Kris Mallette told the AM 1150 post game show that the team came out quickly, despite it being the Cougars home opener.
“I think we were able to get in on hard on the forecheck and make their goalie come up with some pretty good saves in the first five minutes or so,” said Mallette, who said it was an even game until the midway point of the second period.
“I thought the last ten minutes of the second period we took control,” he said.
The win improved the Rockets early season record to 2-0-0-0 on the year with the two team’s set to do battle again on Saturday at the CN Centre in Prince George.
The Rockets will welcome captain Madison Bowey back into their lineup after the 19-year-old was re-assigned to the Rockets Friday morning.
“Our game play doesn’t change,” said Mallette. “We’re not going to put too much emphasis on the other team and we are going to focus on what we can do better. You know they are going to come out with a little less pressure on them. I’m sure we’ll see a much different team Saturday.”
