Energy+Intensity=Victory

• The scoreboard doesn't lie. The Kelowna Rockets went into Vancouver Friday night and earned a 6-2 win over the high powered Giants. It was only the Giants second home ice loss of the season and 6th loss overall. It was the Rockets 36th win of the season and moved them within 5 point of Spokane for third place in the Western Conference. Had the Rockets not dropped games to Portland and Chilliwack this week, the margin would have been just two points.
• The tone of the game was set early by Rockets defenseman Tyler Myers. A solid hit on Giants forward Evander Kane sent a clear message that the visitors wouldn't be pushed around.
• Cody Almond had a four point night with three goals and an assist. It was Almond's third hat trick of the season. Almond's best goal came on a laser-beam wrist shot that beat Giants goaltender Tysen Sexsmith high to the glove hand side.
• Ian Duval is worth his weight in gold. The overager had four assists. It was Duval's first-four point game of his WHL career.
• Mikael Backlund had a strong game with a goal and an assist. His goal was scored on a odd man rush with Ian Duval drawing the assist. Once Backlund scored he jumped into the glass in celebration as the Rockets took a 3-1 lead. Backlund's emotion on that goal just showed how focused and intense the visitors were for this one.
• I applaud Tysen Dowzak for his solid play defensively. Dowzak finished the game a +3 and had a solid scrap with Giants forward Todd Kennedy. Why doesn't Dowzak step up to the plate physically more often? The only concern following the fight was Dowzak getting the instigator and receiving a 10 minute misconduct. On this night it didn't cost the Rockets, but it could have. Regardless of what could have been, Dowzak deserves a ton of credit for his efforts.
• Tyler Myers may have ended the game -2, but he was thrown onto the ice every time the Giants top line was. Myers logged a ton of ice time and was named the games #1 star.
• Again the Rockets penalty killing unit came up big, shutting down the Giants in 6 chances. One of the main reasons behind the Rockets success shorthanded...goaltender Mark Guggenberger.
• Dallas Stars GM Les Jackson had a chance to watch Jamie Benn Friday night. I spoke to Jackson before the game and will share that interview with you next week. Jackson has high praise for Benn and says the WHL and the Kelowna Rockets were a good fit for him in his 19 year-old season.
• Rockets defenseman Tyson Barrie should always remember that scouts and possible NHL brass could be watching from the stands. On Friday night Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell took in the game to catch a glimpse of Barrie and Giants forward Evander Kane.
• I still have a ringing in my ears following the game. Who was at the controls of the sound system at Pacific Coliseum Friday night? I'm all about the loud music, but it was deafening in the building. How could fans sitting beside each other communicate during a stoppage of play? Sign language?
• You couldn't help but laugh when a on-ice promotion went wrong. A Honda vehicle was being paraded on the ice with the public address announcer exclaiming its virtues as a one of the most fuel efficient cars on the plant. What happens? The vehicle runs out of gas on the ice and has to be pushed off by five embarrassed Giants promotional staff.
• A great crowd Friday night. Over 11 thousand provided for a great atmosphere.