iSight Optometry Game Recap: Rockets Down Giants 5–2
The Kelowna Rockets capped off their weekend on a high note, earning a convincing 5–2 victory over the Vancouver Giants Saturday night at the Langley Events Centre.
GAME SUMMARY
The Rockets wasted no time finding the scoreboard as Carson Wetsch (2) opened the scoring just 2:42 into the first period, walking into the high slot on the rush and slipping a shot five-hole. Vancouver responded on the power play through the former Rocket Ethan Mittelsteadt (2), but Kelowna quickly regained the lead when Jacob Henderson (2) fired a puck from the point that deflected off a Giants defender and in.
In the second, Tomas Poletin (8) extended the Rockets lead on the man advantage, getting a fortunate bounce off a Vancouver skate off a shot from the right hash to make it 3–1. The goal stood as the eventual game-winner.
Kelowna’s power play continued to click in the third as Tij Iginla (3) showcased his skill, making a slick move in tight off a feed from Poletin to extend the lead to 4–1. Vancouver cut into the deficit late on the power play, but Wetsch (3) sealed the win with his second of the night, burying an empty-netter with just over a minute to play.
Goaltender Josh Banini was stellar once again, stopping 31 of 33 shots en route to being named First Star of the Game.
ADDITIONAL STATS
Shots on Goal: Kelowna 33 | Vancouver 33
Power Play: Kelowna 2/5 | Vancouver 2/6
Faceoffs: Kelowna 34 | Vancouver 23
UP NEXT
The Rockets head down the highway on Wednesday, November 5th, when they visit the Penticton Vees at 7:05 p.m. Newly acquired defenseman Peyton Kettles, a 2025 second-round NHL Draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is expected to make his Rockets debut.
