Jake Poole put us on the board 31 seconds into the game, but the Winterhawks pushed back with three straight goals.
Highlights and reaction are available in the recap ⬇️
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) January 9, 2022
The Kelowna Rockets may have had some games postponed. But they were able to get off a game against the Portland Winterhawks.
31 seconds in, the @Kelowna_Rockets have liftoff! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/Iei1KYsv1j
— The WHL (@TheWHL) January 9, 2022
It started off well too. They got a goal from Jake Lee 31 seconds into the game. But it didn’t end well. Cross Hanas tied the game and James Stefan scored his 14th and 15th goals to give the Winterhawks the 3-1 win.
The Winterhawks scored a goal in each period. Hanas in the first at 8:55. Stefan’s first at 14:53 of the second. Stefan’s second at 7:08 at the third.
Stefan had a big night for the Winterhawks. In addition to scoring two goals, he assisted on Hanas goal in the first.
We think folks in Portland are going to like Taylor Gauthier. 🐐@pdxwinterhawks pic.twitter.com/eBkYshRcQf
— The WHL (@TheWHL) January 9, 2022
Taylor Gauthier made his debut for the Portland Winterhawks. While he allowed a goal 31 seconds in, he made 38 saves for the victory. Gauthier was acquired on December 28, for defenceman Jonas Brondberg, a 2023 third round pick and two conditional fifth round picks.
Tayln Boyko made 21 saves for the loss for the Rockets.
Rockets Head Coach Kris Mallette said they got off to a great start. However, they played too wide open for his liking.
“We got into a track meet with a really, really good team. You give then opportunities on the powerplay, it’s only a matter of time when it’s back of your net.” Mallette told Rockets.com
The Winterhawks were one for five on the powerplay. Stefan’s second goal was a powerplay goal. The Rockets were 0 for 3.
The ogopogo looks good on ya, @AdamKydd ! pic.twitter.com/lHDA6bynTo
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) January 9, 2022
Adam Kydd made his debut for the Rockets. He was acquired in a trade from the Calgary Hitmen for Steel Quiring on Wednesday. He had two shots on goal. Kydd played on a line with Max Graham and Marcus Pachedo.
The Winterhawks have won 5 games in a row. They have had two games postponed in that span. They are 17-11-3 with 38 points and in third place in the U.S. Division. The Winterhawks game against the Vancouver Giants on Sunday was postponed. They are scheduled to play Wednesday at home against the Kamloops Blazers.
The Rockets fall to 16-10-3 for 36 points. They remain in second place in the B.C. Division.Seven behind the first place Blazers and five ahead of the Vancouver Giants. Their game against Vancouver on Friday was postponed. Their games Tuesday and Wednesday in Prince George have also been postponed. They are scheduled to host Victoria on Friday, January 14, and Saturday, January 15.
