Rockets take a pounding

Photo: Chad Baker

The Kelowna Rockets will be glad to see the last of Portland, OR, at least until the playoff roll around.

The Rockets trip through Portland was less than pleasant, falling 8-2 to the Winterhawks Sunday afternoon. That loss came on the heels of a 5-4 overtime loss to the same Winterhawks the night before.

And, to make matters seemingly worse, the same two teams will meet in back-to-back games at Prospera Place this coming weekend.

As was the case Saturday, the Winterhawks jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead.

But, unlike Saturday when the Rockets were able to battle back to tie it, there would be no comeback.

Portland built a 6-0 lead before the Rockets were finally able to get on the board with a late second period power play goal from defenceman Gordie Ballhorn.

Kyle Topping scored a power play goal in the final minute of the game for the other Rockets goal.

Skyler McKenzie and Keiffer Bellows each had a pair of goals and an assist for the Winterhawks. Ky Kolle added three assists for the winners.

Brodan Salmond lasted just one period, allowing three goals on 13 shots. He was replaced by James Porter, who surrendered the final five goals on 19 shots.

The goaltending, a source of concern heading into the season, have allowed more than 4.5 goals a game over nine games, the second most in the league, behind only the Saskatoon Blades.

Kelowna conclude a three game U.S. Division road trip in Tri-City Tuesday before returning home to host the Winterhawks Friday and Saturday.