Kamloops Blazers at Kelowna Rockets 02/21 | WHL Highlights 2025-26
By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X
The Kamloops Blazers headed to Kelowna for the second half of a home-and-home set following Friday night’s 3-2 overtime loss.
The Blazers went with Logan Edmonstone between the pipes, while the Rockets turned to Josh Banini.
The opening period featured strong pace and early pressure from the Rockets. Tij Iginla generated a quality scoring chance, but Edmonstone came up with a key save. The Blazers applied pressure, with Ty Bonkowski getting a high-danger opportunity but Banini came up with a stop.
Kelowna would strike first, Ty Halaburda fired one past Edmonstone to make it 1-0. Kamloops continued to direct pucks on net, but Banini shut the door, sending Kelowna into the first intermission ahead by one.
The second period opened with a dangerous chance for the Rockets as Vojtech Cihar broke in alone on a breakaway. He attempted to slip the puck five-hole, but Edmonstone read it perfectly and shut the door.
Kamloops would respond shortly after, Nathan Behm continued his strong play, finishing a feed from J.P. Hurlbert to the game at 1-1. The physicality ramped up when Vit Zahejsky delivered a big hit on Mazden Leslie and then Isa Guram came to the rescue of Edmonstone after a pile up in the crease.
Kelowna would regain the lead late in the period, Iginla would get a breakaway and beat Edmonstone to make it 2-1. Iginla wasn’t done there, he added another on the power play, giving Kelowna a 3-1 advantage heading into the third period.
Kamloops came out strong to start the third, looking to cut the deficit, but the Rockets would continue to shut them down. Kelowna answered with a dangerous 3-on-1 rush, but Harrison Brunicke hustled back to disrupt the play and prevent a key insurance marker. The Blazers kept pushing, including a strong opportunity from Josh Evaschesen, though Banini stood firm once again.
With 1:20 left in the frame, the Blazers pulled Edmonstone looking for the equalizer but Cihar would put it into the empty net, securing the 4-2 win.
Up next: Kamloops head south to face the red hot Everett Silvertips on Friday and then will play host to the Vancouver Giants on Saturday.
