Sports

n cards, eight is a snowman - in hockey, eight goals usually translates to a blowout.

That's just what it means for the Kelowna Rockets who celebrated the first snowfall of the season with a big 'Snowman' in an 8-1 thumping of the visiting Red Deer Rebels.

Cody Fowlie, acquired off waivers eight games ago before the Rockets Alberta road trip continued his hot play at Prospera Place.

The 20-year-old forward scored two more goals Friday giving him five goals and one assist over the Rockets four game homestand.

Ryan Olsen and Myles Bell also scored twice for the Rockets.

For Bell, it was his first goal in seven games.

Tyrel Goulbourne with his third in four games, all games winners and Rourke Chartier also scored for the Rockets.

Jackson Whistle, making his third straight start for an injured Jordon Cooke, turned aside 23 stops in the win.

Whistle has won all five of his starts allowing just six goals in six appearances.

Matt Dumba spoiled Whistle's bid for a shutout with just five-and-a-half minutes left.

The Rockets jumped on the Rebels right off the opening faceoff building up a 2-0 lead by the midway point of the opening period. They peppered Rebels starter Patrik Bartosak with 20 shots in the open 20 minutes of play.

Bartosak would last only until Olsen made it 3-0 6:31 into the second.

Back-up Bolton Pouliot didn't fare much better, allowing the final five goals on 22 shots.

The Rockets have now won five in a row and six straight on home ice.

Friday's win moves the Rockets to within nine points of the slumping Kamloops Blazers.

After reeling off 14 wins in a row the Blazers have now lost three of their last four.

The Rockets will enjoy a week off before hitting the road for games Friday and Saturday in Tri-City.