Rockets put skid to rest

The Kelowna Rockets didn't make things easy on themselves.

The Rockets blew a two goal third period lead, before scoring early in overtime for a 4-3 win over US Division leading Everett Silvertips.

Lucas Johansen drove home the game winner with a hard slapshot from the right circle on a power-play just 64 second into the extra period. Nick Merkley, who had a pair of chances himself in overtime, fed a perfect pass from the bottom of the opposite faceoff circle.

The Rockets led 3-1 heading into the final 20 minutes, but goals from Riley Sutter 33 seconds into the period and with 1:08 remaining tied it, forcing overtime.

"We didn't make it easy in the second or the third," said Rockets head coach Jason Smith.

"We struggled to stick with it, and we started to extend our shift length a little bit. We spent too much time in the D-zone because we were chasing the game offensively."

The Rockets jumped on the Silvertips early, taking advantage of a team which played the previous night in Spokane.

Rodney Southam with a power-play goal three minutes in and Devante Stephens with a beautiful individual effort out the Rockets up 2-0.

The Tips got one back on a power-play of their own in the second when Sean Richards got his stick on a shot from the point. The goal was reviewed to determine whether Richards' stick was above the crossbar when he made contact.

Moments later, 15-year-old rookie Nolan Foote scored his first WHL goal on a breakaway, set up by big brother Cal.

"It was awesome," said Nolan Foote seconds before receiving a shaving cream face wash courtesy of Southam.

"That was sure something to remember. It was awesome."

He said it was even more special getting the assist from his brother

Foote drove a wrist shot past Mario Petit from the left faceoff circle.

"I saw an opening high glove and knew to hit it."

Wednesday's win snapped the Rockets three game losing streak and was also somewhat of an offensive bonanza. They had scored just four goals over their previous four games.

"Any time things don't go well for your team, there's stress, and tension" said Smith.

"But, I think we've done a pretty good job of trying to keep guys loose. It's a pretty good group of guys that have talked about pushing through it and paying attention to the detail."

Smith called Wednesday a good start, but added the team still needs to work at playing a complete 60 minutes.

They'll try to build on Wednesday's win when the Tri-City Americans come to town Friday night.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

Nolan Foote (background) scored his first WHL goal in a Rockets win Wednesday.