Rockets cling to victory

Photo: Marissa Baecker

The Kelowna Rockets withstood a third period barrage, hanging on for a 6-5 victory over the visiting Prince George Cougars Tuesday night.

The Rockets built up what appeared to be a comfortable 6-2 lead after 40 minutes, but the Cougars clawed their way back in the third.

Ryan Schoettler and Rhett Rhinehart cut into the deficit before the the midway mark of the third, then Jared Bethune scored shorthanded late in the period to make the final four minutes a little more interesting.

But, they were unable to complete the comeback.

Dillon Dube and Carsen Twarynski each scored twice for the Rockets. Liam Kindree and Erik Gardiner, with his first goal since Oct. 14, also scored for Kelowna.

Kindree had two assists to go with his goal, while Cal Foote also chipped in with a pair of helpers.

The Rockets outshot Prince George 34-32 over the course of the evening.

Brodan Salmond turned away 27 shots for the victory.

Tuesday's win moves the Rockets three points up on Victoria and eight better than Vancouver atop the BC Division. Kelowna holds a game in hand on the Royals.

The Rockets host Seattle Friday and Kamloops Saturday to close out their four-game homestand.