 |
| Kanzig versus Goulbourne Credit: Cindy Rogers |
It’s the fourth loss in a row for the Royals and longest skid of the season, now sitting tied with Kelowna for 3rd in the BC Division.
Jamie Crooks thought to have scored the tying goal at the buzzer, but was ruled no goal as the time expired in the 3rd before the puck crossed the line.
It was a see-saw affair Saturday night as the Rockets put up a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes on a rebound goal by Tanner Moar, his 1st in the WHL, and Minnesota Draft pick Brett Bulmer’s 4th off a skate while passing the puck through the slot. Keegan Kanzig got into a dust up with Tyrell Goulbourne in the first of 4 fights on the evening.
In the second, the Royals would score 3 unanswered to take the lead. Robin Soudek and Brandon Magee on the power play. Then Logan Nelson backhanded a beauty to pop the water bottle on a breakaway at the 6:05 mark after Mike Forsyth intercepted a breakout pass at the Kelowna blueline.
Victoria’s lead lasted a mere 45 seconds. The Rockets would take a time out, respond with a fight between Magee and Goulbourne and get a tying goal by Carter Rigby. Bulmer added his second a minute and 5 seconds later and Kelowna regained the lead 4-3 heading into the third.
The middle frame saw three more tilts, Magee vs Goulbourne, Zach Habscheid versus Colton Heffley and Tim Traber taking on Tanner Moar.
The Royals power play clicked for a third time to even the score at 4 as Soudek found Sundher in the slot for a one timer. The Rockets would go ahead again with a power play marker of their own by Colton Sissons, and just a minute and 14 seconds later, Bulmer would complete the Hat Trick to take a 6-4 lead.
After Habscheid blocked a painful shot in the mid-section, he would return to the ice to score his first of the season to bring the Royals to within one, but it would be as close as they’d come dropping their first against the Rockets in 4 games this season. It’s also the Royals 7th loss in their last 8, dipping 3 games below .500.
Assistant Coach Enio Sacilotto talks about the Royals effort Saturday night, the line juggling and moment swings.
Enio sacilotto - post game comments
Bulmer was named the #1 star in his first appearance against Victoria, Kelowna defenseman Mitchell Chapman was star 2 adding 2 helpers and Robin Soudek was the third star with his goal and assist – ending his 3 game pointless drought.
Kelowna outshot Victoria 29-24, as Keith Hamilton stopped 23 shots playing infront of family and friends in his hometown. Adam Brown picked up his 9th win in his 20th game. The Royals power play went 3 for 5, and shut down 4 of 6 Rocket opportunities.
Kevin Sundher picked up 3 points on the weekend tying Ryan Howse’s franchise record 217 points. Hayden Rintoul picked up a pair of assists while Brandon Magee with a goal now has 10 points in his last 8.
Watch the fights and game highlights here: www.kelownarockets.com
Victoria now 3-1 against the Rockets will be back in Kelowna next Friday night for the rematch. Up next a double header versus the Kamloops Blazers on Tuesday and Wednesday in Victoria.
