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The Kelowna Rockets, who currently rank third in the WHL for goals scored this season, added seven goals to that total on Friday as they defeated the Vancouver Giants 7-0.
Reid Gardiner opened the scoring less than a minute into the opening frame, tapping home a pass from Nick Merkley. Later in the period, Nolan Foote netted his 18th goal of the season. The younger Foote brother earned himself a Gordie Howe hat trick on Friday, with a goal, an assist and a fight.
In the second period, Rodney Southam and Kyle Topping scored two quick goals, which seemed to frustrate the Giants. The remainder of the second period was full of penalties, including four fighting majors for each team.
Rodney Southam held onto the puck just long enough to snap a shot past Giants' netminder David Tendeck at 8:20 of the third period for his second of the night. Soon after, James Hilsendager made a similar play from the blueline to give the Rockets a 6-0 lead.
Finally, Kole Lind added the seventh and final goal with under two minutes remaining in the game. This was Lind's first goal in ten games. The Rockets' leading scorer also had three assists in the game.
Michael Herringer earned the shutout win for the Rockets, making some big saves on the Giants' 21 shots. The Rockets sent 38 shots at Tendeck. They were also 3/8 on the power play.
The two teams will meet up again in Langley on Saturday, March 18th for the Rockets' final regular season game. The Western Conference playoff matchups are still yet to be determined.
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