Kelowna Rockets drop first end of home-and-home with Spokane

Photo: Larry Brunt/Spokane Chiefs

A trip through the US Division was not kind to the Kelowna Rockets.

The Rockets dropped their third straight on US ice, falling 2-1 in Spokane Wednesday evening.

It was another slow start for the Rockets, who fired just six shots at Chiefs netminder Mason Beaupit and surrendered the only goal of the opening frame.

Bear Hughes' wrist shot from in close beat Talyn Boyko seven minutes into the opening period to give the Chiefs the early edge.

Cordel Larson converted on the power play with a one-timer from the bottom of the left circle to double the lead six minutes into the second.

Pavel Novak got the Rockets on the board with just 59 seconds left in the second, beating Beaupit after a clean faceoff win by Nolan Flamand.

The Rockets had a few chances with brief power plays in the third, including 47 seconds with Boyko pulled late in the third, but were unable to find the equalizer.

The Rockets finished 0-5 with the man advantage while Spokane converted on one of their four opportunities.

Wednesday's win was the first for the Chiefs on home ice.

The Rockets and Spokane will play the back half of the home-and-home Friday at Prospera Place.