Kelowna Rockets down visiting Winterhawks

KELOWNA – The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Portland Winterhawks 5-3 on Friday night, Jan. 29, at Prospera Place in Kelowna, the team's fifth straight win.

Rourke Chartier scored twice in the game and now has 11 goals in just 18 games played this season. Kelowna scored four straight goals to erase an early deficit and skate to the victory.

The win improves the Rockets record to 34-11-3-0 on the season, first place in the WHL Western Conference and second overall in the WHL.

The Rockets trailed 2-1 after the first period of play but scored twice in the second period to take the lead and two more times in the third to grab a stranglehold on the game.

Nick Merkley had a goal and two assists while while Justin Kirkland and Tyson Baillie also scored for the Rockets. Calvin Thurkauf chipped in with three helpers.

Michael Herringer earned the win in net as the Rockets outshot Portland 44-24 in the game.

The Rockets are back in action at Prospera Place on Saturday night when they welcome the Victoria Royals to Kelowna. Note the special start time of 7:30.

On Sunday the Rockets will travel to Seattle to take on the Thunderbirds (5 p.m.) before returning to Kelowna on Tuesday night to host Lethbridge.

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