March 25, 2023

RECAP: Rockets cap off 2022-23 regular season with a 5-4 victory over Vancouver

The Kelowna Rockets finished off their 2022-23 regular season schedule with a 5-4 victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday night at Prospera Place.

Andrew Cristall matched his career high five points in a game, racking up five assists to reach 100 career WHL assists. Cristall’s team-leading 95 points on the season ties him with Kole Lind and Tyson Baillie for ninth among single-season rocket record holders. His 56 assists placed him eighth with Lind for single-season rocket record holders, while Gabriel Szturc’s 55 assists placed him one spot behind in ninth.

GAME SUMMARY

Ty Hurley spun from a check in the left corner before dishing off the puck from the side of the net to Gabriel Szturc (23) in the slot just before the midway point of the first period.

Carson Golder (31) pounced on a rebound while on the power play, 2:28 into the middle frame. Moments later Max Graham (13) added a short-handed goal, tucking the puck around the net and past Matthew Hutchison. Szturc (24) added his second of the night to give the Rockets a four-goal lead. Julian Cull (5) got the Giants on the board in the final minute of the period.

Skyler Bruce (15) and Ty Halaburda (21) struck quickly late in the third period to make it a one-goal game. Turner McMillen (9) and Colton Roberts (3) traded goals before the end of the game.

ADDITIONAL STATS

Jari Kykkanen made 18 saves on 22 shots
The game’s three stars were the Rockets 20-year-old players Adam Kydd, Carson Golder and Talyn Boyko
Kelowna was 2/4 on the power play, while Vancouver was 0/4 with the man advantage.
The Rockets record for the 2022-23 season ends at 27-37-4-0

UP NEXT.

Kelowna will host their 2022-23 team Awards Ceremony, brought to you by Orchard Ford, on Sunday, March 26th at the Kelowna Community Theatre (1375 Water Street, Kelowna). Fans will have the chance to mingle with all of their favourite Rockets during a catered reception from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The ceremony will then take place from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Fans are asked to wear business casual attire. There will also be a cash bar. Tickets are priced at $30.00 for adults and $20.00 for kids twelve and under and will be available for purchase at the door. If you’re unable to make it, there will be a live stream starting at 2:00 pm at https://www.sw-online.com/rocketsawards/.

The Rockets will face the Seattle Thunderbirds in the first round of the 2023 WHL Playoffs, with Seattle hosting games one and two next Friday and Saturday. The series will shift to Kelowna for game three on Tuesday, April 4 and game four on Wednesday, April 5 at Prospera Place.

Single-game tickets for both home games are on sale at Select Your Tickets. Tickets can be purchased online through www.selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office, or by phone at 250-762-5050.