Kelowna Rockets edged by Cougars at home

KELOWNA – The Prince George Cougars defeated the Kelowna Rockets 4-3 at Prospera Place on Friday night, scoring four times in the second period to beat the Rockets.

Chase Witala had four points and Prince George netminder Ty Edmonds was stellar in the Prince George net, especially in the third period when Kelowna outshot the Cougars 16-4 but could not tie the game.

The Rockets jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead on Prince George in the first period as Nick Merkley scored his 10th of the season just 35 seconds into the game. Justin Kirkland added his 9th of the season midway through the first and the Rockets took a 2-0 lead into the dressing room.

But the Cougars took the game over the in the second, scoring four times to take the lead. The Rockets were 1-for-8 on the power play while the Cougars were 1-for-3. Jackson Whistle took the loss in net.

The Rockets close out a four game homestand on Saturday night at Prospera Place as they host the Prince Albert Raiders.

Following Saturday's game the Rockets will head out on a five game Alberta road trip to close out the team's pre Christmas schedule.

Kelowna plays two home games between Christmas and New Year's with home games Dec. 27 in Kamloops and Dec. 30 in Prince George.