Rockets grab first of 2 in PG

Photo: Contributed - Kelowna Rockets

Tyson Baillie scored twice as the Kelowna Rockets dumped Prince George 7-2 Friday

The Kelowna Rockets scored five times in a little more than seven minutes Friday in a 7-2 triumph over the home town Prince George Cougars.

It was the home opener for the Cougars and the first of back-to-back games between the two teams in the northern BC city.

Justin Kirkland, Tyson Baillie and Colton Heffley each scored twice for the Rockets while rookie Tate Coughlin scored his first WHL goal on a power-play in the final minute.

Austin Glover and Cole Linaker both chipped in with a pair of assists.

After a scoreless first period the Cougars got on the board first early in the second period.

Baillie tied it with his second of the season, an unassisted goal at the midway mark of the period.

That opened the floodgates as Kirkland, Heffley, Baillie and Heffley again all hit the scoresheet before the 18 minute mark of the middle frame.

Kirkland scored his second seven minutes into the third before Coughlin closed out the scoring in the final minute.

Jackson Whistle was solid in the Rockets net, stopping 25 of 27 Prince George shots, including 15 in the second period.

The Rockets are 2-0 on the young season and will get a boost Saturday night when they welcome captain Madison Bowey back into the line-up.

Bowey will join the team in Prince George after he was sent back to the Rockets by the NHL's Washington Capitals Friday morning.

The return of Bowey leaves Tyrell Goulbourne as the only Rocket remaining at an NHL training camp.

Goulbourne remains in the Philadelphia Flyers camp.

The Rockets return home after Saturday's game to host the Vancouver Giants Wednesday, Oct 1.