Kelowna Rockets down Hitmen in shootout

KELOWNA – The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Calgary Hitmen 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday night, Feb. 6, at Prospera Place in Kelowna, coming from behind to earn the win.

Michael Herringer stopped all three Calgary shooters and Justin Kirkland scored in the shootout for Kelowna to give the Rockets the win.

Herringer turned aside 31 of 33 shots through regulation and overtime, including four in the overtime period, as the Rockets improved to 36-14-3-0 on the season.

The Rockets tied the game with just 50 seconds to play in the third period, as Tyson Baillie scored his team-leading 30th of the season with the goalie pulled for the extra attacker.

Kelowna trailed 1-0 after the first period before Dillon Dube tied the game with a nifty tip-in of a Lucas Johansen pass, scoring his 21st of the season midway through the second.

The Hitmen restored its lead just a few minutes later however as Keegan Kanzig dug a puck loose in the Rockets crease and shoveled it into the open net.

The Hitmen outshot the Rockets 33-25 through regulation and overtime. Both teams were 0-for-4 on the power play.

The Rockets are back in action on Monday at Prospera Place, playing a special matinee affair (2:05 p.m.) vs. Seattle on the B.C. Family Day Long weekend to start a home and home set between the two teams.

Tickets are available for the game through www.selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.