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Kelowna Rockets furious comeback in the final five minutes Saturday came up just short

Rockets come up short

The Kamloops Blazers scored three unanswered goals in the second period, then held off a furious comeback to edge the Kelowna Rockets 4-3 Saturday at Prospera Place.

It was the final pre season tune up for both teams before the regular season begins in earnest next month.

The game was scrambley for much of the night until a spirited third period rally brought the announced crowd of 1,874 to life.

Ethan Ernst on a power play at 9:12 and Max Graham on another power play five minutes later pulled the Rockets to within a single goal.

They came close moments later but Graham was turned away on a rebound attempt.

The Rockets had a few more chances but couldn't get the equalizer past Jesse Makaj.

Jake Poole opened the scoring with his second of the pre season 13 minutes into the first when he picked the far corner from the left faceoff circle.

Kelowna had the better of the play and the chances in the opening frame. Turner McMillen had the best chance, but his shot rang off the post after a perfect feed from Trevor Wong on a two-on-one.

With the Blazers coming on, Fraser Minten drew the Blazers even when he banged home a pass from the end boards with 24 seconds left in the opening frame.

Kamloops capitalized on their opportunities, especially with the man advantage in the second.

Matthew Seminoff on a Blazers power play, Josh Pillar and Dylan Sydor on another man advantage opportunity all beat Nicholas Cristiano to put the visitors up three.

Cristiano took over from Cole Schwebuis to start the second.

Both teams finished the night 2-5 on the power play.

Kelowna outshot Kamloops 38-24, including 17-4 during the furious third period.

The Rockets finished the exhibition season 2-2 while the Blazers wound up 4-0-0-1.

Kamloops open the regular season in Prince George Oct. 2, while the Rockets begin with back-to-back games in Victoria Oct. 8 and 9.



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