Rockets clinch BC title

Photo: Contributed

Cal Foote scored twice and Nolan Foote returned to the lineup with a goal and an assist as the Kelowna Rockets clinched the BC Division title with a 6-3 win over the visiting Prince George Cougars.

Kaeden Korczak, Dillon Dube and Braydyn Chizen also scored in a game that quickly deteriorated into a series of cheap shots, head shots and a parade to the penalty box.

Joel Lakusta and Cam MacPhee of the Cougars are likely done for the season after receiving checking to the head and intent to injure penalties respectively during one of several melees in the third period. Dube was on the receiving end of Lakusta's high cross check, and was fortunate his hands were up to protect himself when the blow came.

Moments earlier, Jackson Leppard was assessed just a two minute slashing penalty for a wicked two-hander at the chest of Erik Gardiner.

Much of the rough stuff came with the game still tight.

"The emotions of teenage kids can change in a hurry, but you don't want to see our guys get hurt and you don't want to see guys from their team get hurt," said head coach Jason Smith.

"The physical part in a game like that, you just hope it stays under control and you end up walking away with a clean sheet. None of our guys got hurt from the hits they took and the power plays did give us some momentum to finish them off.

Despite all the penalties the Rockets were unable to take advantage on the power play, missing the net as much as they hit it.

It was that kind of game for the Rockets who, despite getting 50 shots were not as sharp offensively as they have been previously this season.

"The first two period were a little big sloppy. We managed to get the puck to the net a lot but didn't have a lot of second and third opportunities," said Smith.

And Kole Lind, looking to hit the 40-goal plateau for the first time in his WHL career, missed the net or didn't get a shot away on four glorious chances including two half open nets in the first period and a breakaway in the second.

Lind has 38 goals on the season with two games left.

The game was tied at 1-1 after one with the Cougars scoring the only goal of the second off the stick of former Rocket Brogan O'Brien.

But, five straight in the third, starting with Korczak's fourth on a wrist shot from the right point that hit something in front, spelled the difference.

But, regardless how they got their, the Rockets were able to clinch the BC Division for the first time in three years.

"It means a lot to be the top team in a great division," said Nolan Foote.

"For the guys, everyone is excited..we're excited to have a banner and we're looking forward to it."

The Rockets will close out the regular season with back-to-back games against the Vancouver Giants Friday in Langley and Saturday back at Prospera Place.

Then, it's off to the post season.

The Rockets will open the first round at home against either the Tri-City Americans or Seattle Thunderbirds.

Regardless of the opponent, the first two games will be played at Prospera Place next Thursday and Saturday.