Rockets defeat Hurricanes in shootout

KELOWNA – The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Lethbridge Hurricanes 4-3 in a shootout on Wednesday night in Lethbridge kicking off its five game Alberta road trip with a win.

Nick Merkley scored the shootout winner to seal the victory, after the Hurricanes had come from behind and tied the game 3-3 with two goals in the final six minutes of the game.

The win improved the Rockets record to a WHL-best 25-4-3-0 on the season as they head for a Thursday night game in Medicine Hat.

Rookie Dillon Dube led the offense, scoring twice and adding an assist for the Rockets as the 16-year-old now has four goals in just seven games played.

Rodney Southam also scored for the Rockets while Merkley had an assist to move into sole possession of first place in the WHL scoring race with 52 points in 32 games.

Kelowna continues its road trip on Thursday in Medicine Hat and also plays Sunday in Calgary, Tuesday in Edmonton and Wednesday in Red Deer.

The Rockets have two home games this holiday season as they play Dec. 27 against Kamloops and Dec. 30 vs. Prince George.

Tickets are available for those games through Select Your Tickets.