Rockets rebound in big way
Photo: Steve Dunsmoor
One of nine goals the Rockets put on the board against Victoria Saturday
The Kelowna Rockets made sure the taste of Friday’s defeat at the hands of the Western Conference cellar-dwelling Vancouver Giants didn’t stay in their mouth too long.
Any frustrations they had over the effort from the night before were taken out on the visiting Victoria Royals.
The Rockets scored early, and often, in a 9-2 shellacking of the Royals
Tig Iginla registered his second career five-point night, picking up a goal and four assists to lead the offensive barrage.
Shane Smith had a pair with singles going to Hayden Paupanekis, Keith McInnis, Ty Halaburda, Mazden Leslie, Owen Folstrom and Rowan Guest with his first of the season.
Parker Alcos and Carson Wetsch each had a pair of assists as 13 of the 18 skaters registered at least one point.
Leslie’s goal was the 250th point, making him the 13th defenceman in WHL history and first in a Rockets uniform, to hit that milestone.
The Rockets led 4-1 after one and 7-2 after two.
Former Rocket netminder Jake Pilon, who faced 46 shots, was in goal for all nine goals.
Josh Banini turned away 28 shots to earn the win.
Kelowna finished the night two for three on the power play and were disciplined in putting the Royals on the power play just once all night.
The win keeps the Rockets in a deadlock with Prince George for third in the Western Conference. With 78 points apiece.
The Cougars are listed third by virtue of having three more wins.
Kelowna concludes a busy weekend in Langley against the Vancouver Giants Sunday afternoon.