Payworks Recap: Novak’s overtime winner snaps Rockets winless streak
The Kelowna Rockets snapped a four-game winless streak with a 5-4 overtime victory over the Victoria Royals on Tuesday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC.
In his final game before departing for the World Junior Championship, Pavel Novak won the game for the Rockets in the final minute of overtime. The Czech product also posted an assist on Kelowna’s second goal of the game.
Talyn Boyko made 43 saves on 47 shots, he faced 18 shots alone in the third period.
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Kelowna had three power play opportunities in the opening frame, with Noah Dorey (2) capitalizing on the third chance.
Evan Patrician (7) tied it up early in the second with a power play goal. Dorey (3) scored his second of the game to re-establish the Rockets lead, but Keanu Derungs (6) deadlocked it again late in the frame.
Anthony Wilson (2) pushed the Royals ahead for the first time early in the third. Steel Quiring (4) snuck past the defender and fought off the Royals defender to tie the game once again.
In the final minute of overtime, Colton Dach made a cross-ice feed to Pavel Novak (13) who beat Royals netminder Campbell Arnold.
Pavel Novak said, just hang on, I got one more thing I need to do before I leave for the World Juniors tomorrow.
🚨@pnovak111
🍎Colton Dach
🍏@JakeLee03409003
#mnwild | #blackhawks | #novomania pic.twitter.com/JhknIvr3ke— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) December 15, 2021
The Rockets were two-for-five with the man advantage, while the Royals were three-for-four on the power play.
Victoria outshot Kelowna 47 to 35.
With the win, the Rockets record improves to 12-9-0-3.
Kelowna will be back in action when they 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.
