The Kelowna Rockets bounced back from a defeat at the hands of the Vancouver Giants with a dominant performance against the Victoria Royals.
Tig Iginla’s second career five-point night led the charge as the Rockets secured a 9-2 victory.
Iginla’s Five-Point Performance
Tig Iginla had a goal and four assists.
Shane Smith added a pair of goals, while Hayden Paupanekis, Keith McInnis, Ty Halaburda, Mazden Leslie, Owen Folstrom and Rowan Guest each contributed a single goal, with Guest scoring his first of the season.
Parker Alcos and Carson Wetsch each chipped in with a pair of assists, contributing to a widespread offensive effort where 13 of the 18 skaters registered at least one point.
Rockets’ Offensive Barrage
The Rockets established an early lead, going up 4-1 after the first period. They extended their advantage to 7-2 by the end of the second.
Kelowna scored nine goals against former Rocket netminder Jake Pilon, who faced 46 shots.
Milestone for Leslie
Mazden Leslie’s goal marked his 250th point in the WHL.
Leslie becomes the 13th defenceman in WHL history, and the first in a Rockets uniform, to reach that milestone.
Special Teams and Goaltending
Kelowna went two for three on the power play. Josh Banini made 28 saves to earn the win.
The Rockets were disciplined, only putting the Royals on the power play once.
Conference Standings
The win keeps the Rockets in a deadlock with Prince George for third in the Western Conference, with 78 points apiece.
The Cougars are listed third by virtue of having three more wins.
Kelowna will conclude their weekend with a game against the Vancouver Giants in Langley.