Payworks Recap: Rockets double up Giants as Cristall sets franchise record
The Kelowna Rockets claimed their 40th win of the season with an 8-4 win over the Vancouver Giants at Prospera Place on Saturday night in Kelowna, BC.
Andrew Cristall had a career night, setting the Rockets franchise record for goals by a 16-year-old with 26. The Rockets eighth overall pick in the 2020 WHL prospects draft posted career-high five points (2G, 3) on the night. He currently sits at 65 points (26G, 39A) through 58 games this season, just four back of the franchise record for a 16-year-old – Shane McColgan set the record with 69 points (25G, 44A) through 71 games in 2009-10.
Colton Dach also posted a career-high five points on the night, while Mark Liwiski, Pavel Novak and Adam Kydd all posted multi-point nights. Talyn Boyko made 30 saves on 34 shots to pick up his 28th win of the season.
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Zack Ostapchuk (21) put the Giants on the board first, but Mark Liwiski (22) responded for the Rockets 12 seconds later. Pavel Novak (29) gave the Rockets their first lead of the game while on the power play. Andrew Cristall (25, 26) then tied the Rockets record for goals by a rookie in their 16-year-old season and passed it moments later with his second of the game.
Will Gurski replaced Connor Martin in net for Vancouver to start the second period. Ostapchuk (22) and Adam Kydd (16) traded goals in the second period.
Kydd (17) scored his second of the night 1:11 into the final frame. Alex Cotton (15) and Liwiski (23) exchanged goals early on in the period. Ottawa Senators prospect Ostapchuk (23) completed the hat-trick while on the power play. Colton Dach (27) cashed the puck into the Giants empty net.
There you have it, Kelowna Rockets history! @markliwiski13's shot goes off of @AndrewCristall's blade and into the net to set the franchise record for 16-year-old goals with his 26th of the year. pic.twitter.com/lU8u96pArs
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) April 10, 2022
The Rockets were one-for-two with the power play, while Vancouver was two-for-seven.
Vancouver outshot Kelowna 34-24.
The Rockets and Giants will face off again tomorrow at 4:05 pm at Prospera Place. Tickets for all Rockets games are available at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.
Prospera Place announced earlier this week that guests in attendance will no longer have to show proof of vaccination in adherence with the new B.C. provincial guidelines. Face coverings will continue to be optional when attending a Rockets game, concerts, shows, and other events at Prospera Place
