Rockets take game one

Press Release

ROCKETS DOUBLE UP GIANTS – Ian Duval scored twice and Mikael Backlund tallied a goal and set up two more to lead the visiting Kelowna Rockets to a 4-2 win over the Vancouver Giants in Game 1 of the Kal Tire WHL Western Conference Championship series on Saturday, April 18^th.

Rookie Mitchell Callahan scored his first career WHL playoff goal for the Rockets, who scored three times in the second period to take a 3-0 lead into the third period. Mark Guggenberger made 20 saves for the Rockets in the victory.

Lance Bouma and James Henry – with his first of the playoffs – scored for the Giants, who outshot the Rockets 10-6 in a scoreless first period but were outshot 22-12 over the final two frames. Tyson Sexsmith made 24 saves in the loss.

The Giants host Game 2 of the best-of-seven series on Sunday in Vancouver, B.C.

Kelowna leads best-of-seven series 1-0.

Game Summary

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)