Tyrell Goulbourne had a goal and assist, and Jordon Cooke stopped 2 penalty shots to help lead the visiting Kelowna Rockets (8-2-0-2, 18 pts) past the Victoria Royals 4-1 Friday night.
The Rockets move into a tie for first in the BC Division with the Royals (9-7) with 18 points, however Kelowna has played 4 fewer games.
Victoria had their 5 game home winning streak snapped, as they opened up a 5 game home stand. Kelowna improves to 3-1 on the road this season.
It was the first of a back to back two game set, with the Royals now looking to avenge the loss Saturday evening.
After Tyler Soy’s goal was disallowed, the Cole Linaker struck on the ensuing shift to opening the scoring in the first. Goulbourne made it 2-0 before the first was out. Myles Bell snapped a 4 game goal less drought to make it 3-0 in the middle frame, however Ben Walker converted on a 3 on 2 just 1:05 later to cut into the lead. Zach Franko restored the 3 goal cushion with the lone marker in the 3rd. Madison Bowey chipped in with a pair of assists.
Kelowna netminder Jordon Cooke stopped 28 shots including Logan Nelson and Luke Harrison on penalty shots in the 2nd and 3rd period respectively. Patrik Polivka, who’s parents were in attendance from the Czech Republic stopped 33 of 37 Rocket shots.
The clubs are 1st (Kelowna) and 2nd (Victoria) in the league in penalty killing, and allowed neither a power play goal. Victoria went 0 for 3, while Kelowna was stopped on all 5 of their chances.
Nelson had his 8 game point streak snapped, while Ben Walker extended his to 4 games (2g 4a).
The season series is tied at a game a piece as the Royals won 4-3 in a shoot out on the road September 28th. Victoria will look for the weekend split Saturday night.
-Marlon Martens
Kelowna Rockets 4 at Victoria Royals 1 - Status: Final
Friday, October 25, 2013 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC
Kelowna 2 1 1 - 4
Victoria 0 1 0 - 1
1st Period-
1, Kelowna, Linaker 3 (Goulbourne, Bowey), 7:39.
2, Kelowna, Goulbourne 3 (Olsen, Wheaton), 10:29.
Penalties-Gagnon Vic (hooking), 5:06; Magee Vic (slashing), 11:36; Baillie Kel (hooking), 12:27.
2nd Period-
3, Kelowna, Bell 6 13:20.
4, Victoria, Walker 4 (Magee, Fushimi), 14:25.
Penalties-Nelson Vic (high sticking), 0:18; Kirkland Kel (high sticking), 6:31; Crunk Vic (tripping), 9:30.
3rd Period-
5, Kelowna, Franko 3 (Baillie, Bowey), 2:49.
Penalties-Bell Kel (interference), 12:22; Carroll Vic (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 13:04.
Shots on Goal-
Kelowna 13-11-13-37.
Victoria 8-10-11-29.
Power Play Opportunities-
Kelowna 0 / 5;
Victoria 0 / 3.
Goalies-
Kelowna, Cooke 7-0-0-2 (29 shots-28 saves).
Victoria, Polivka 7-6-0-0 (37 shots-33 saves).
A-4,481
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Dexter Rasmussen (25).
Linesmen-Tim Digby (75), Bevan Mills (98).
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