Rimouski little challenge for Rockets

QUEBEC CITY – The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Rimouski Oceanic 7-3 on Monday night at Le Colisee in Quebec City, improving to 1-and-1 and securing at least a chance to play in a tie-breaker game at the 2015 MasterCard Memorial Cup, with one game still remaining in the round robin.

Nick Merkley, Leon Draisaitl and Gage Quinney each scored twice as the Rockets came out firing, taking a 3-0 lead on Rimouski in the first period, only to see the Oceanic cut it to 3-2 by the end of the first.

However a three-goal second period by the Rockets restored their lead and propelled the team to victory.

Merkley and Draisaitl each had two goals and an assist while Madison Bowey had a goal and two assists in a solid team effort that saw 11 Rockets hit the scoresheet.

Rourke Chartier had two assists in the win as the Rockets outshot the Oceanic 36-31 with Jackson Whistle earning the win in net.

The victory means the Rockets will at-the-least play in a tie-breaker game at the 2015 MasterCard Memorial Cup heading into its final round robin game against Oshawa on Tuesday.

The Rockets will play the Ontario Hockey League champion Generals, who are 2-and-0 in the tournament, in Kelowna's final game of the round robin tournament.

Game time is 4:30 PST on Tuesday.