iSight Optometry Game Recap: Rockets Earn First Win of the Season in 3-1 Home Opener Victory Over Vees
The Kelowna Rockets earned their first win of the 2026-27 season on Saturday night, defeating the Penticton Vees 3-1 in their Home Opener at Prospera Place.
Kelowna received goals from Eli Barrett, Jacob Henderson and Dawson Gerwing, while Harrison Boettiger turned aside 23 of 24 shots in the victory.
BOXSCORE | HIGHLIGHTS | POST-GAME: MARTIN | POST-GAME: DANEAULT
GAME RECAP
Penticton opened the scoring at 8:23 of the first period after a Rockets turnover created a scramble in front of the Kelowna net. Roberts Naudins found the loose puck and put the Vees ahead 1-0.
The Rockets responded late in the second period.
At 15:30, Eli Barrett took a pass at the top of the slot and fired a wrist shot past Penticton goaltender Andrew Reyelts to tie the game at 1-1. Jaxon Kehrig and Colton Lien picked up the assists.
Kelowna carried that momentum into the third.
Just 29 seconds into the period, Jacob Henderson gave the Rockets their first lead of the night. After coming out of the penalty box, Henderson joined the powerplay opportunity and beat Reyelts short side for his first goal of the season. Madden Daneault and Tomas Poletin assisted on the goal.
The Rockets continued to defend the lead behind Boettiger, who was steady throughout the night and allowed just one goal on 24 shots.
With Penticton pressing late and its net empty, Dawson Gerwing battled through contact and found the empty net at 18:56 to seal the 3-1 victory. Owen Folstrom recorded the assist.
Kelowna outshot Penticton 38-24 and finished the night 1-for-3 on the power play.
Saturday’s victory marked Kelowna’s first win of the 2026-27 campaign and came in front of the home crowd at Prospera Place.
Barrett was named the game’s first star after scoring the tying goal, while Boettiger earned second-star honours with his 23-save performance.
ADDITIONAL STATS
Shots on Goal
Kelowna: 38 | Penticton: 24
Powerplay
Kelowna: 1/3 | Penticton: 0/2
Faceoffs
Kelowna: 36 | Penticton: 25
UP NEXT
The Rockets will face the Kamloops Blazers next weekend in another home-and-home series. Kelowna will host Kamloops at Prospera Place on Friday, October 2 at 7:05 p.m., before heading to the Sandman Centre for the rematch on Saturday, October 3 at 6:00 p.m.
