Hawks Edge Rockets; Even Series 1-1
The Portland Winterhawks defeated the Kelowna Rockets 3-2 on Saturday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, tying up the best-of-seven WHL Western Conference final at one game apiece.
Nic Petan scored the game-winning-goal late in the second period, snapping a 2-2 tie and sending the Winterhawks onto the win.
The Winterhawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead on Saturday before Kelowna scored back-to-back power play goals in the second period to tie the game 2-2.
Rourke Chartier scored his ninth of the playoffs to get the Rockets on the board before Dillon Dube converted his 2nd of the playoffs 2:22 later.
Nick Merkley assisted on both goals.
But Petan scored on the rush with just 48 seconds remaining in the second to give Portland the lead and neither team could score in the third.
The Rockets outshot the Hawks 40-32 in the game with Jackson Whistle taking the loss in net and Adin Hill earning the win.
The series now shifts to Portland for games three and four on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
Game five will be held at Prospera Place in Kelowna next Friday night with tickets going on sale on Monday morning through www.selectyourtickets.com, at the box office or 250-762-5050.