Kelowna Rockets overcome Vancouver Giants in nail-biting shootout

| January 27, 2019 in Sports

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The Kelowna Rockets were back on the ice for the third night in a row on Sunday, just narrowly claiming a win over the BC Division-leading Vancouver Giants in a shootout.

The Rockets started off the game strong, drawing a two goal lead after Mark Liwiski tapped one in from Leif Mattson’s no-look from behind pass at 11:31, and Kyle Topping capitalized on a nice Rockets passing play at 14:23.

After the first period of play, the Rockets held a 2-0 lead. Topping started the second frame off with his second of the night, beating Giants goaltender David Tendeck.

That’s when the Giants turned things around.

Justin Sourdif started the almost-comeback with a quick one just two minutes after Topping had netted his second.

Davis Koch reduced the Rockets lead at 12:19, scoring on Rockets goaltender Roman Basran and bringing Vancouver within one goal.

Kelowna entered the second intermission with a 3-2 lead.

In the latter half of the third frame, at 13:11, Bowen Bryan potted the equalizer to tie the game at three a piece. Despite efforts, the game stayed even at three and the game went into overtime for the decision.

After overtime proved unfruitful, the zamboni cleared the centre of the ice to prepare for the shootout.

All three Vancouver shooters, Davis Koch, Bowen Bryan and Tristen Neilsen were turned away by Basran, who stopped 30 of 33 shots Sunday night.

In their shootout attempts, Kyle Topping and Nolan Foote were unsuccessful, but with the game on his blade, Leif Mattson put one by Tendick to take the weekend-ending win over the Vancovuer Giants.

The Rockets record improves to 20-24-3-1. They will be back on the ice on Wednesday to square-off against the Seattle Thunderbirds. You can purchase tickets for the upcoming game here.

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