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In a game that showed skilled, fast paced, and hard hitting hockey from both teams, the Kelowna Rockets were defeated 2-1 by the Seattle Thunderbirds. This WHL Western Conference final series now has the T-birds up 1-0 over the Rockets.
There wasn't a player on the ice in Friday's game that was struggling. Each line on each team played a strong and physical game, both creating chances in the offensive zone and stopping their opponents opportunities in the defensive zone.
It took almost 39 minutes for a goal light to come on, and Seattle's Mathew Barzal opened the scoring with a power play marker. Less than one minute later, Scott Eansor put the T-birds up 2-0.
It was clear early on that someone was going to get injured in this game, as the referees chose to let things get a bit out of control.
After a Rodney Southam hit to the head, which left Calvin Leth unable to stand, the fans in the stands got into an altercation. A reminder to both Rockets and Thunderbirds fans: while showing passion for your team is celebrated and admirable, it's important to keep it classy and leave the battle to the boys on the ice.
Rourke Chartier netted a late power play goal in the third period, but it was too late for the Rockets to make a comeback.
The Thunderbirds goaltender Landon Bow enjoyed the win, stopping 23 Rockets' shots, while Michael Herringer saved 27 of 29 T-birds' shots.
The second game of the WHL Western Conference final series will take place on Saturday, April 23rd at Prospera Place.
Tickets are available for the game through www.selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.
KelownaNow chatted with some Rockets fans to find out just how excited the city is about the Rockets playoff run this year.
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