Rockets mauled in PG

Photo: James Doyle

It wasn't the way the Kelowna Rockets wanted to open up a two-game road trip up north.

The Prince George Cougars scored four unanswered goals in the first period, en route to a 7-2 thumping of the Rockets.

Josh Maser, Ethan Browne on a power play and Matéj Toman all scored before the game was 13 minutes old. Toman's goal spelled the end of the night for starter Roman Basran.

He gave way to James Porter after giving up three goals on 11 shots.

Browne had a pair of assists to go with his goal. Maser and Cole Moberg each had two goals and an assist to pace the Cougars.

Leif Mattson and Nolan Foote scored the Rockets goals, both on the power play, as the Rockets were a perfect 2-2 with the man advantage.

The Rockets have now lost three in a row, slipping seven points behind the second place Victoria Royals.

The Rockets get another crack at the Cougars when the clubs meet again Saturday in Prince George.

Kelowna returns home to face the Moose Jaw Warriors Wednesday and the league-leading Prince Albert Raiders next Saturday.