Kelowna Rockets edge Royals in Victoria

VICTORIA – The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Victoria Royals 2-1 in a shootout on Saturday night in Victoria, sweeping both games in Victoria this weekend and moving into sole possession of first place in the WHL BC Division.

Jordon Cooke stopped all three shots he faced in the shootout and 33 of 34 Royals shots during the win, his eighth of the season.

Rockets rookie Nick Merkley opened the scoring, with his sixth of the season in the first period, before Victoria tied it 1-1 in the second, on a goal by Brett Cote.

From there it was the goalies as Cooke and the Royals Coleman Vollrath were both busy. Victoria outshot Kelowna 34-31.

After a scoreless third period and overtime, only Myles Bell could score in the shootout, giving the Rockets the win.

Kelowna improved to 9-2-0-2 with the win and with Friday's 4-1 win in Victoria, swept both games on Vancouver Island and moved ahead of the Royals into first place in the WHL BC Division.

Kelowna will head home before traveling north to Prince George next weekend for another BC Division double header.

The Rockets return to Prospera Place on Nov. 6 against Red Deer.

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Howard Alexander


Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.