Payworks Recap: Kykkanen picks up first WHL shutout in Rockets 5-0 victory over Royals
The Kelowna Rockets picked up their 37th victory and third shutout of the season with a 5-0 win over the Victoria Royals on Saturday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC.
Seventeen-year-old rookie netminder Jari Kykkanen made 15 saves to earn his first career WHL shutout. Andrew Cristall, Colton Dach, Jake Poole and Elias Carmichael all posted multi-point nights.
With a goal and an assist, Cristall leapfrogged Nick Merkley for second place for the Rockets record of points by a 16-year-old rookie. Cristall has posted 59 points (24G, 35A) through 56 games this season, Shane McColgan holds the record with 69.
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Colton Dach (25) opened the scoring seconds into the Rockets first power play of the game. Jake Poole then set up Jake Lee (16) with the other goal of the opening frame.
Andrew Cristall (24) gathered Elias Carmichael’s rebound and worked it around Royals starter Tyler Palmer.
Pavel Novak (27) and Elias Carmichael (3) found the back of the net for Kelowna in the third period.
.@Reganrant isn't lying, we also think that's the biggest save of young @JariKykkanen's career pic.twitter.com/Un0szR7ZA2
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) April 3, 2022
The Rockets outshot the Royals 38-15.
Kelowna was one-for-three on the power play, while Victoria was zero-for-four.
The Rockets will be back in action on Tuesday when they head to Prince George for back-to-back games at the CN Centre. Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm, you can watch on CHL TV or listen on AM 1150.
The next Rockets home game is Saturday, April 9th when they host the Vancouver Giants at 7:05 pm. Tickets for all Rockets games are available at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050. Select Your Tickets is open 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and opens at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday home game days.
