Kelowna Rockets wrap WHL regular season on a winning note

KELOWNA – The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Vancouver Giants 5-2 on Saturday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, winning its 53rd game of the season in front of a sold out crowd to close the WHL regular season.

The Rockets finished the season at 53-13-5-1 on the season, winning 50 games for the third straight season and claiming the WHL BC Division title as well as finishing in top spot in the Western Conference and second overall in the WHL.

The Rockets will now play the Tri-City Americans in the first round of the WHL Playoffs beginning next Friday and Saturday in Kelowna.

Leon Draisaitl led the offensive attack as the Rockets came out and jumped over Vancouver with three goals in the first period.

Draisaitl had two goals and an assist while 20-year-olds Tyrell Goulbourne and Cole Martin also scored in their final regualr season games with the Rockets.

Cole Linaker also scored and Gage Quinney had four helpers on the night as the Rockets outshot Vancouver 44-23.

The Rockets close the WHL regular season with its third straight 50 win campaign, just the third WHL team and fourth across the Canadian Hockey League to win at least 50 games for three years running.

Tickets are currently on sale for the first two games of the Rockets-Tri-City first round playoff series at www.selectyourtickets.com.

Here are the dates for the first round WHL playoff series between the Kelowna Rockets the Tri-City Americans:

Game 1 Tri-City @ Kelowna – March 27
Game 2 Tri-City @ Kelowna – March 28
Game 3 Kelowna @ Tri-City – March 31
Game 4 Kelowna @ Tri-City – April 1
Game 5 Tri-City @ Kelowna – April 3 (if necessary)
Game 6 Kelowna @ Tri-City – April 4 (if necessary)
Game 7 Tri-City @ Kelowna – April 7 (if necessary)