Bell tolls as Rockets clinch playoff spot

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Myles Bell had a career high four goals and six points leading the Kelowna Rockets to a 7-3 thumping of the Kamloops Blazers Saturday.

Myles Bell had a career night.

The 20-year-old forward scored a career high four goals and six points Saturday leading the Kelowna Rockets to a 7-3 thumping of the visiting Kamloops Blazers and a sweep of their weekend home-and-home set.

It was the Rockets 42nd win of the season and allowed them to officially clinch a playoff spot with six weeks and 20 games still remaining in the regular season.

Bell's night Saturday was a carryover from Friday night when he led the way with two goals and an assist in a 4-2 win in Kamloops.

Entering Saturday's game Bell had never recorded a Western Hockey League hat trick. His previous high in goals was two and points was four.

Rourke Chartier, Tyson Baillie and Ryan Olsen also scored for the Rockets.

Kris Schmidli and Justin Kirkland chipped in a pair of assists each.

For Kirkland it was also the continuation of a memorable weekend. Kirkland also had two goals and an assist Friday giving him five points over the two games.

The Rockets built an early 2-0 lead on goals from Bell and Baillie on the power-play. They led 3-1 after one and stretched the margin to 4-1 on Bell's second six minutes into the second before a late Blazers' rally cut the deficit to one heading into the third.

Bell ended any hope of a Kamloops rally with his third 26 seconds into the final period. He iced it with another power-play marker later in the period.

The Rockets power-play, which was dismal to say the least over recent games, has come alive this week.

The club has scored seven goals in 13 opportunities with the man advantage over the past three games after snapping an 0-26 drought.

The Rockets, 42-7-0-3, are back in action Wednesday when they entertain the Red Deer Rebels. Edmonton (Friday) and Victoria (Saturday) also pay visits to Prospera Place this week.