It was a banner night for the Kelowna Rockets, as they opened defense of their Western Hockey League title.
After a spectacular opening ceremony which saw the raising of the Western Division and League championship banners, the Rockets used the new league rules to their advantage, beating the visiting Vancouver Giants 3-2 in a shootout.
Justin Keller scored for the Rockets in the shootout, while goaltender Derek Yeomans, playing for the first time since a season ending knee injury back in May, stopped all three Vancouver shooters.
The victory proved pre season results are meaningless once the regular season gets underway. The Rockets were 0-4 in exhibition play, while the Giants were 8-0.
Kirt Hill and Mike Card scored for the Rockets, both in the 2nd period. Mitch Bartley scored both Vancouver goals, as the Giants raced out to a quick 2-0 lead in the opening period.
The Giants outshot the Rockets 38-21.
Neither team was able to score on the power-play.
The Rockets will host Portland Saturday night, 7 pm at Prospera Place.
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Previous Stories
- Blazers hang on, beat 'Birds Mar 22
- Blazers fall to Thunderbirds Mar 21
- Rockets fall in OT Mar 18
- Blazers overwhelm Rockets Mar 17
- Rockets drop key matchup Mar 15
- Blazers beat up on Royals Mar 15
- Surgery for Rocket d-man Mar 14
- Golder suspended 4 games Mar 13
- Rockets sweep weekend Mar 12
- Rockets hit post season Mar 11
- Kieper, Blazers blank Giants Mar 11
- Rockets earn Giant win Mar 10
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