iSight Optometry Recap: Royals come from behind to down Rockets in overtime

iSight Optometry Recap: Royals come from behind to down Rockets in overtime

The Victoria Royals came from behind to take down the Kelowna Rockets on Monday at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena in Victoria, BC.

The Rockets led by two goals after the opening period, but the Royals chipped away with goals in the second and third periods to force the game into overtime. Unsuccessful on three power plays in regulation, Victoria capitalized on their fourth-man advantage of the game in overtime.

Multiple Rockets made their return to the lineup from injury including Marcus Pacheco who had been out since training camp with a lower-body injury, Kayden Longley who missed the Rockets last three games with a lower-body injury, and Jari Kykkanen who missed the last three games with a lower-body injury.

Andrew Cristall who missed the Rockets last game left tonight’s game midway through the second period and did not return, a status update was not available postgame.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS | BOXSCORE

GAME SUMMARY

The Rockets opened the scoring with back-to-back goals 59 seconds apart at the midway point of the opening frame. Tij Iginla (14) snapped his six-game goalless drought, letting a shot go from the high slot that beat Braden Holt glove side. The Royals clearing attempt was blocked by Andrew Cristall, unable to get a shot off Max Graham tracked down the puck at the side of the net to set up Gabriel Szturc (7) in front.

Justin Kipkie’s (3) shot from the point hit a Rockets stick and deflected past Jake Pilon sixteen minutes into the second period.

After a setup by Cole Reschny, Kipkie (4) struck again to tie the game with 4:43 to go in regulation.

Max Graham was called for tripping in overtime, giving the Royals a four-on-three power play. Hemmed into their own zone, the Rockets penalty killers were unable to clear the puck allowing the Royals multiple opportunities where Kipkie (5) completed the hat trick.