Putting two Foote's forward

Photo: Wayne Moore

Cal Foote was spectacular in his return to the Kelowna Rockets lineup Wednesday.

Little brother Nolan was pretty effective, too.

The Rockets rode the play of the Foote brothers, Kyle Topping and a pair of late goals to sink the visiting Spokane Chiefs 7-4.

"He's a great player. He's an anchor on our back end," said Rockets head coach Jason Smith of Cal Foote.

"He plays, competes and has poise. He does a lot of things right all the time. He defends against the best players in the league, and also creates offence for us."

Foote was good all over the ice. He blasted home his seventh of the season with a one-timer from the high slot on the power play, administered some still body checks and engaged Chief Zach Fisher in a skirmish that ended up in the Rockets bench.

Kyle Topping with two, Kaedan Korczak with his first career WHL goal, Nolan Foote, Kole Lind and Braydyn Chizen with the eventual game-winner also scored for the Rockets.

The Rockets took an early 2-0 first period lead, but a goal late in the first and two early in the second put them behind by one.

Nolan Foote got one back quickly before brother Cal's power play blast put the Rockets up for good.

Leading 5-4 late after an exchange of goals, Topping's second and Kole Lind's 21st of the year sealed the victory.

"It was an exciting game...back and forth," said Topping.

"They're good, they've got a couple of skilled guys up front. We did a good job tonight, but it was nice to get those late goals and come out with the win."

The win may have come at a cost. Starting goaltender Roman Basran left the game with an undisclosed injury after he did the splits to make a sensational pad save on a Chief's two-on-one early in the game.

After staying down for several moments, he needed help to get to his feet, but remained in the game for a few minutes. Barsan eventually pulled himself from the game and went straight to the dressing room.

Smith said Basran's status won't be known for a day or two.

Injured netminder Broden Salmond is still not ready to go.

Wednesday's win, coupled with Vancouver's overtime loss in Prince George moves the Rockets a single point up on the Giants in the battle for top spot in the BC Division.

Kelowna does hold three games in hand on the red-hot Giants, who have not lost in regulation time over a span of eight games.

The Rockets now hit the road for games against Seattle Friday and a first ;place showdown with the Vancouver Giants Saturday.

They're back home to Lethbridge Wednesday before travelling to Seattle again a week Friday.