Rockets Win Battle For 1st

The Kelowna Rockets dominance on home ice has vaulted them back into top spot in the Western Division and the overall WHL standings.

The Rockets ran their unbeaten streak to 23 games at Prospera Place Saturday night, beating division rival Kootenay Ice 4-1. Gary Sylvester, known more for his fists than his touch around the net, scored what proved to be the winner, his 4th of the season, and 2nd in as many nights, eight and a half minutes into the first period.

Tyler Spurgeon with his 16th in the first period, Lauris Darzins with his 18th in the 2nd and Justin Keller with his team leading 28th into an empty net, also scored for the Rockets.

Nigel Dawes opened the scoring for the Ice, beating Derek Yoemans just 42 seconds into the game.

The Rockets outshot Kootenay 26-24.

The win gives Kelowna 91 points, one more than the Ice. Both teams have just eight games remaining in the regular season. The Rockets play five of their eight remaining games at home, while the Ice play four at home and four on the road.