Kelowna Rockets edge Royals in Victoria

VICTORIA – The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Victoria Royals 2-1 on Saturday night, Jan. 16, at the Save-On Foods Memorial Arena in Victoria, scoring an overtime victory and earning a split of two games on Vancouver Island.

Justin Kirkland snapped home his 15th goal of the season at 3:42 of the overtime period to give the Rockets the win while Michael Herringer turned in a first-star performance.

Herringer stopped 36 of 37 shots as Victoria outshot the Rockets 37-31 in the game. Dillon Dube had the other Rockets goal with each team scoring once in the first period.

The win improves the Rockets record to 30-11-3-0 on the season, first place in the WHL Western Conference, six points ahead of the Royals.

Kelowna now returns to Prospera Place for a five game home-stand that begins on Tuesday night when they host the Prince George Cougars. Kelowna will also play Tri-City and Medicine Hat (Jan 22, 23) as well as Portland and Victoria (Jan. 29, 30) during the homestand.

Tickets are available for the game through www.selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.