Sports

The race for top spot in the BC Division of the Western Hockey League is officially on.

The Blazers moved to within five points of division leading Kelowna Friday night with a 4-2 victory over the Rockets.

Friday's game is the first of back-to-back games against the division rivals.

The two teams meet Saturday at Prospera Place.

Brendan Ranford scored what proved to be the game winner just 34 seconds into the second period on a Blazers power-play.

Jesse Lees was sitting in the penalty box after taking checking from behind and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties late in the opening period.

Ranford also chipped in with a pair of assists for the Blazers.

Dylan Willick, Tim Bozon on another power-play late in the first and Marek Hrbas also scored for Kamloops.

Dylen McKinlay and Henrik Nyberg with his first goal since Dec. 14 scored for the Rockets.

The game was tied 1-1 midway through the first before Bozon and Ranford both connected on the power-play.

Nyberg cut the deficit to one midway through the second, however, Hrbas restored the two goal lead five minutes later.

Despite being down two the Rockets were able to manage just five shots in the third period.

Jordon Cooke faced 40 shots in suffering the loss his fourth straight and fifth in six outings.

Friday's win moves the Blazers to within five points of the Rockets. They also hold a game in hand.