Royals narrowly bested in overtime battle with Kelowna
Kelowna, BC. — The Victoria Royals were at Prospera Place tonight to close their season series with the Kelowna Rockets. A strong effort from the Royals’ offence and a 39-save performance from goaltender Jake Pilon saw the game forced into overtime, but the Royals were narrowly outmatched with a final score of 2-1.
After a scoreless first period, Hayden Moore broke the ice, assisted by Heath Nelson and Reggie Newman, to get the Royals on the board at 5:15 of the second frame. The Rockets tied the game shortly after with a goal from Tomas Poletin, and the teams remained knotted at one headed into the second intermission.
Another scoreless period saw the teams tied at the end of regulation, forcing an overtime frame, where Tij Iginla called game at 3:38 to bring the final score to 2-1 Rockets.
Scoring Summary
1st Period
No Scoring
2nd Period
5:15 Victoria Royals Goal
Hayden Moore (18) assisted by Heath Nelson and Reggie Newman
7:23 Kelowna Rockets Goal
Tomas Poletin (20) assisted by Parker Alcos and Harrison Boettiger
3rd Period
No Scoring
Overtime
Shots on Goal
Royals – 31
Rockets – 40
Powerplay
Royals – 0/4
Rockets – 1/2
Goalie Stats
Royals
Jake Pilon – 39/41
Rockets
Harrison Boettiger – 30/31
What’s Next
The Royals will be back home this Friday, March 13th to host the Vancouver Giants in the opening matchup of a home-and-home series. Puck drop is set for 7:05 pm at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.
