Rockets Double Rebels 6-3

The Rebels hit the ice for their final game before the holiday break as they played host to the high flying Kelowna Rockets.

FIRST PERIOD

Kelowna opened the scoring on a first period powerplay as Justin Kirkland beat Rylan Toth for his 11th goal of the year at 13:07, 1-0 Rockets.

SECOND PERIOD

The Rockets added two more goals just over a minute apart. Tyrel Goulbourne netted his 14th goal of the year at 6:47. Former Rebels prospect Rodney Southam put home his 6th at the 8:00 mark, 3-0 Rockets.

The Rebels finally found their way on to the scoresheet thanks to their captain. Conner Bleackley used his world class wrist shot to beat Jackson Whistle top shelf for his 13th goal of the year. Brett Cote and Toth assisted on the goal at 14:50 of the middle frame, 3-1 Kelowna.

Another big blast found the back of the Rockets net not long after. Kayle Doetzel netted his first goal of the year, set up by Cote and Brooks Maxwell, at 15:27 to make it a 3-2 game.

THIRD PERIOD

Bleackley tied the game 3-3 when he ripped home a powerplay goal 2:26 into the final frame. Presten Kopeck and Tyler Sandhu set up the equalizer.

That sparked the Rockets as they came back with two more quick goals. Dillon Dube tapped home a rebound at 3:58, Kirkland netted another one at 5:06 to make it 5-3.

Tyson Baillie put some salt on this game with an empty netter at 18:49 for a 6-3 final score.

MOLSON CUP THREE STARS
1. Conner Bleackley RD
2. Justin Kirkland KEL
3. Brett Cote RD

HARDEST WORKING REBEL – Austin Adamson

NOTES – Rebels scratches for the game were Nick Charif, Haydn Fleury, Mario Grman, Adam Musil and Austin Shmoorkoff… attendance for the game was 4426

NEXT GAME – The Rebels return to action on Saturday, December 27 when they visit the Edmonton Oil Kings. Game time is at 7 p.m. with the broadcast on 106.7 The Drive starting at 6:50.

By Troy Gillard