8-1 = A Whole Lot Of Fun

• What a difference 24 hours makes. After getting embarrassed 7-1 in Vancouver Friday night, the Rockets responded with a tremendous effort in a 8-1 win Saturday night over the Prince George Cougars. The Rockets dominated all aspects of the game, including limiting the Cougars to just 12 shots on goal. You witnessed few defensive mistakes as the majority of the game was played in the offensive zone.
• Colin Long and Jamie Benn each had two goals in this one. I hate to say it, but as go Long and Benn, so do the Kelowna Rockets. I don't want to put added pressure on these two - 19 year-old forwards, but when they step to the plate the Rockets are usually on the winning end.
• The win didn't come without it's casualties. Forward Dylan Hood suffered a broken nose after Cougars defenseman Cody Hobbs punched him in the peak during a skirmish 7 minutes into the game along the end boards inside the Cougars zone. Hood left the game with blood coming from his nose and never returned.
• Kyle St. Denis suffered a leg injury despite scoring a goal and assisting on two others. St. Denis never came out to accept his award for his second star performance.
• It was encouraging to see Jesse Paradis score the opening goal for the Rockets. The 17 year-old gets little media attention, yet his contribution 2 and a half minutes into the game can not be overlooked. Paradis has two goals this season, one more than a year ago.
• Brandon McMillan had a quiet night, but still managed three assists. It was interesting to see him playing on a line with Jamie Benn and Kyle St. Denis.
• Adam Brown made his first WHL start. The Rockets were so dominant offensively that Brown saw few quality shots, yet it was nice to see him earn the win. Call it a early birthday present, as the rookie goaltender celebrates his 17th birthday today.
• It was nice to run into Rick Carriere. Carriere and I go back to my days as the Swift Current Broncos play-by-play man while Carriere was the head coach of the Red Deer Rebels. Carriere is now scouting with the Medicine Hat Tigers.
• You have to love the play of Dana Tyrell. The Prince George Cougars captain worked his tail off all night long, even when the game was lopsided. Tyrell scored the lone goal for the Cougars on the power play during a 5 on 3.
• The Kelowna Rockets are now the most penalized team in the WHL. The game featured four fights, including Cody Almond, Jamie Benn, Kyle Verdino and Riley McIntosh electing to dance.
• When was the last time the Rockets scored 8 goals in a game? The Rockets scored 8 times in a 8-2 win over Brandon February 14/08 and managed 9 goals in a 9-2 win over Portland January 23/08.
• Prior to the start of last night's game a moment of silence was held for Okanagan Sun football player Janson Towers, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on Friday.