WHL PLAYOFFS: Kelowna Rockets blank Americans to open first round series

KELOWNA – The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Tri-City Americans 6-0 on Friday night, March 27, opening up the WHL playoffs with a convincing win to grab a 1-0 series lead in their best-of-seven first round playoff series at Prospera Place.

Rourke Chartier and Nick Merkley led the offense as the pair combined for three of the team's goals. Chartier scored twice and added an assist while Merkley scored once and had two assists.

Rockets captain Madison Bowey had a goal and an assist in the win while Leon Draisaitl and Dillon Dube also scored for Kelowna who had a 1-0 lead after the first and exploded for three goals in the second period.

Jackson Whistle earned the shut-out victory in net for the Rockets who outshot Tri-City 30-18. Whistle made several key saves early in the game.

The win gave the Rockets a 1-0 series lead with the Rockets and Americans playing game two in the series on Saturday night, March 28 at Prospera Place in Kelowna.

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Games three and four will be Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday, April 1 in Tri-City and a possible game five would be back in Kelowna. Friday, April 3, if necessary.