RECAP: Rockets fall in preseason opener
The Kelowna Rockets opened their 2023 preseason schedule with a 4-2 loss to the Kamloops Blazers on Friday night at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops, BC.
Fifteen-year-old forwards Owen Folstrom, Kanjyu Gojsic and sixteen-year-old defencemen Lachlan Staniforth and Jackson Gillespie all dressed for the Rockets. Returning players from last season Marcus Pacheco, Michael Cicek, Dylan Wightman, Andrew Cristall, Ismail Abougouche and Caden Price were all scratched for the game.
GAME SUMMARY
Sixteen-year-old Hudson Closson (1) opened the scoring 4:36 into the first period, putting the puck past Rockets starter Jari Kykkanen. Trae Johnson was called for hooking six seconds after Closson’s goal, veteran Shea Van Olm (1) capitalized on the man advantage pushing Kamloops out to a 2-0 lead 5:41 into the game.
Ethan Mittelsteadt’s (1) shot from the high slot pulled the Rockets within one early into the second frame.
At the midway point of the third period, defenceman Landon Cowper (1) tied the game at two. Ashton Tait (1) pushed back for the Blazers late in the period, Shea Van Olm (2) added an empty net goal before time expired.
To view the box score from tonight’s game click here.
- Kelowna was 0/3 on the powerplay, while Kamloops was 1/3
- Kamloops outshot Kelowna 39-21
- Kykkanen played the entire game for the Rockets, he made 35 saves on 38 shots he faced
- Dylan Ernst (12/13) and Logan Edmonstone (7/8) split the playing time for the Blazers
The Rockets will host the Blazers tomorrow night (Sept. 9) at Prospera Place, puck drop is set for 7:05 pm.
Preseason ticket pricing starts at $12.00 for adults, two dollars from each preseason ticket sold will be donated to Cops For Kids.
Tickets for all Rockets games are only available at Select Your Tickets, they are the official provider of Rockets tickets. To view pricing and a seating map please click here.
Tickets can be purchased:
- By calling Select Your Tickets at 250-762-5050
- Or by visiting the Select Your Tickets box office at the Prospera Place box office. The box office is open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and opens at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday home game days.
Don’t miss a minute of the action this season with season tickets. Learn more about Rockets 2023-24 season tickets here.