ROCKETS SQUEAK PAST BLAZERS 2-1
The Kamloops Blazers had a terrific effort in Kelowna but fell short of the win in a 2-1 loss to the Rockets. The Rockets got out to a 2-0 lead through two periods, but the Blazers put the pressure on in the third period as the Rockets hung on for the win.
The Rockets scored the game’s first goal in this one as Colton Sissons got handed a puck on a platter. An attempted shot by Damon Severson deflected off a Blazers defender to an open Sissons who put it into the open net for a 1-0 lead on the power play. The Blazers had their chances in the period as Tim Bozon was stopped by a post on a breakaway and a power play that did everything right but get one past goaltender Jordon Cooke The game remained 1-0 in favour of the Rockets as the Rockets held the lead in the shot department 15-11 in the period.
The Blazers put the pressure on in the second period created some terrific chances but Bozon and Kale Kessy were both stopped by the post on the same shift. The Rockets extended their lead on a terrific rush by Tyrell Goulbourne. Goulbourne picked up the puck in his own zone and skated up the ice firing a shot off the post and in past Cheveldave to make it 2-0 Rockets late in the second period. The Rockets edged the Blazers on shots 13-9 in the period.
The Blazers gave it all they had in the third period. They were finally rewarded midway through the frame as JC Lipon found Brendan Ranford who scored for the second straight night to make it 2-1 for the Rockets. The Rockets had their chance to gain back the two goal lead but Cole Cheveldave turned aside Tyrell Goulbourne on a breakaway. Cole Ully set up an open Brendan Ranford late in the period as his one-timer was turned aside by a sprawling Cooke to keep it 2-1, In the dying second the Blazers put pressure on the net with Tim Bozon and JC Lipon getting shots but the Rockets stood their ground in a 2-1 victory. The Blazers outshot the Rockets 12-6 in the final period.
Final shots on the goal were 34-32 in favour of the Rockets. Both teams finished 0-for-3 on the power play.
With the win, the Rockets clinch the B.C. Division title while the Blazers will settle for second in the division and third in the Western Conference.
The Blazers will conclude the WHL regular season next weekend as they host the Prince George Cougars on Friday, March 16 and will finish the year in Prince George the next night.
The Blazers also know their first round opponent for the WHL playoffs as they will play the sixth seed Victoria Royals. The first round playoff series will open in Kamloops for games one and two on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23.
