Payworks Recap: Thunderbirds (5) at Rockets (4) – Dec. 11/21
The Kelowna Rockets lost their fourth consecutive game on Saturday night, falling 5-4 to the Seattle Thunderbirds at Prospera Place.
After trading leads, the Rockets tied up the game and pushed ahead late in the third period with the go-ahead goal coming from Tyson Feist. Feist’s goal—which was declared a good goal—was reviewed, causing a stoppage in play that created a momentum shift for Seattle coming out of the brief pause. The Thunderbirds scored back-back-to-back goals, including the game-winner, under a minute apart in the two shifts following the Rockets goal.
Pavel Novak earned third-star honours after posting a goal and two assists on the night. Gabriel Szturc also posted a three-point night, both Novak and Szturc played on a new line centred by Nolan Flamand. Rockets starter Talyn Boyko stopped 31 of 36 shots.
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Czech Republic products Gabriel Szturc (3) and Pavel Novak (12) gave the Rockets a 2-0 lead in the first period.
The T-Birds responded with three straight goals, coming off of the sticks of Henrik Rybinski (6), Kevin Korchinski (2) and Niko Tsakumis (1).
Andrew Cristall (6) scored on the power play and Tyson Feist (7) tied things up a few minutes later. Feist’s goal was challenged for offside, but was deemed a good goal. Fifty-seven seconds after play resumed following the review, Korchinski (3) and Mekai Sanders (8) scored a pair of goal under a minute apart to re-establish the Seattle lead with just under five minutes to play in the game.
Whaaaaaat a feed by Flammer!
🚨 Pavel Novak (@pnovak111)
🍎 Nolan Flamand
🍏 @JakeLee03409003 #mnwild | @mnwild | #novomania pic.twitter.com/xDLSUcQVOJ— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) December 12, 2021
Seattle came into the night with the WHL’s leading penalty kill, they successfully killed off four of the Rockets five power plays. Seattle was one-for-four on the night with the man advantage.
The Thunderbirds outshot the Rockets 36-23.
With the loss, Kelowna’s record moves to 11-9-0-3 on the season. They’ll be back in action on Tuesday at 7:05 when they host the Victoria Royals at Prospera. Fans can purchase tickets for all Rockets games at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.
The Rocket debuted their third black jerseys for the first time this season. A limited number of retail jerseys are available for purchase from the shop at the Rockets office Propsera Place or the online store.
Kelowna will host the Kamloops Blazers for the annual Orchard Ford Teddy Bear Toss game on Saturday, December 18th. Interior Health protocols require stuffed animals to be new with tags and placed in bags before being tossed onto the ice. Bags will be available at the game for fans if they need one. Fans can purchase tickets for all Rockets games at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.
