Kelowna Squeaks Out 3-2 Victory Against Tri-City

Kelowna, BC- The score was the same as the first two meetings, but the outcome was different.

The Kelowna Rockets (16-8-1-1, 34 pts) were led by Dylen McKinlay’s go ahead goal and two assists as they defeat the Tri-City Americans (16-9-1-1, 34 pts) 3-2 at the Prospera Place in Kelowna.

Kelowna extends their win streak to four games, while the Americans drop their second straight game.  This is the Americans fourth straight loss to the Rockets in Kelowna.

Kelowna got off to a quick start, as Myles Bell scored a wraparound shot 1:37 into the first period to give the Rockets an early lead. Bell would add another goal midway through the period on a turnover by the Americans which led to a breakaway chance as he fired a wrist shot into the goal to make it 2-0. But the lead would be cut to one as Connor Rankin would put home a rebound on the power play. At the end of the period during a 4-on-4, Drydn Dow juked out a Kelowna defender and then slipped a backhand between Jordon Cooke’s legs to tie the game. Tri-City led the period in shots 13-11 and went into the second period tied at two.

The second period was scoreless until Kelowna retook the lead as Dylan McKinlay slipped a shot past Eric Comrie to make it 3-2. Both teams had an equal amount of chances and each team had eight shots. Tri-City had two power plays in the period, but couldn’t capitalize on either opportunity as they went into the third period down by one.    

Kelowna had two power plays in the third period, but couldn’t extend the lead. Tri-City outshot the Rockets 6-4 in the final period and had a 6-on-5 advantage towards the end of the game, but couldn’t tie the game as Kelowna held on for the victory.

Justin Feser’s assist tonight moved him into 9th alone on the Americans all-time points list and extends his point streak to six games.

Eric Comrie didn’t have quite the performance of the first two games, making 20 saves in the loss. Jordon Cooke made 25 saves in the win.

Tri-City will have a night off to regroup before heading to take on the top team in the WHL Kamloops Blazers (20-6-1-1, 42 pts) at the Interior Savings Centre. Game time is at 7:05 p.m. Tri-City defeated Kamloops in their only meeting this season 4-2 in Kennewick, but has lost two straight in Kamloops dating back to last season. NewsTalk 870 will broadcast the game beginning at 6:45 with the pregame show. WHL Live will stream the game online beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Jack in the Box Three Stars:
1. Dylen McKinlay, Kelowna
2. Myles Bell, Kelowna
3. Drydn Dow, Tri-City