Rockets Lose Third Straight

It's been two seasons since the Kelowna Rockets lost three regular season games in a row.

The defending Western Hockey League champions continued their struggles early in the 2005-2006 season, falling 5-3 in Portland last night---their third loss in a row. Their last three game skid occurred between February 25th and 28th, 2004.

For the first time in four games, the Rockets were able to get the first goal in Portland, however, three unanswered second period goals by the Winter Hawks was their un-doing.

Justin Keller, Thomas Raffl and Blake Comeau scored for the Rockets, who held leads of 1-0 and 2-1 during the opening period.

Kris Westblom started for the Rockets, but gave way to Derek Yeomans after Portland's fifth goal 14 minutes into the second period.

The Winter Hawks were 3-5 on the power play, the Rockets 0-7. Kelowna outshot Portland 45-33.

The Rockets will try to snap their losing skid tonight when they play in Everett---their third game in as many nights.

Next home game for the Rockets is Wednesday, when they entertain the Prince Albert Raiders.