Score Flatters Visitors

• The Kelowna Rockets fired 47 shots towards the Everett Silvertips goal Friday night, but it took Mikael Backlund's goal with 20 seconds left in overtime enabling the home team to skate away with a 2-1 win. Backlund's goal came after Kyle St. Denis passed a puck from the end board that found the stick of Backlund, who quickly one timed it into the back of the net.
• The Rockets 47 shots on goal were a season high.
• This game was clearly dominated by the home team, yet the Tips had a 1-0 lead late in the 3rd period before Rockets captain Colin Long scored to tie it at one. While the Rockets out-shot the Tips 30-7 over 40 minutes, the visitors were able to earn a point against a team they were clearly over matched by. Solid goaltending by Thomas Heemskerk was the reason why the Tips were within 5 minutes of stealing two points out of Prospera Place.
• Kyle St. Denis returned to the Rockets lineup Friday night, and didn't miss a beat. St. Denis was one of the best players on the ice, outside of Heemskerk's heroics in goal. St. Denis took a regular shift and saw time on the power play. If this is a sign of things to come, look out!
• I had the pleasure of talking with Tips rookie forward Kellan Tochkin before the game. What a class act this kid is. The 17 year-old is a great example of what other rookies should consider before jumping to major junior at 16. Tochkin elected to play one more season of junior 'B' as a 16 year-old before moving to major junior at 17. The extra year to mature and develop his game in junior 'B' has resulted in a much better player for the Tips long term. Tochkin now leads all WHL rookies in scoring. While he didn't generate much Friday night (he had an assist), his offensive totals are no fluke. He is going to be fun to watch for years to come.
• Here is the interview I had with Tochkin: www.am1150.ca/player/player?mediapath=&type=mp3&fi=files%2Fam1150%2Fsrimedia%2FR09_1323.MP3&nid=871665
• The Rockets have now registered points in 7 straight games. The Rockets are 5-0-1-1 over that period.
• I wanted to share this e-mail I received from a listener Friday night.
  Regan!!!!
  We have been listening to the game on the internet as we sit in our condo
  in Punta Mita Mexico. We are vacationing for 3 weeks and have season
  tickets to the Rockets. It feels so good hearing you and ...... your
  counter part...sorry I forgot his name...he is good as well. I'm so glad
  that Rockets won! St. Denis is amazing.
  Thanks for the entertaining commentary.
  p.s. it has been in the mid 30's and so hot and humid! Take care.
  Keith and Loretta Stutters.
• Was it a Western Hockey League record? Twelve American born players took part in last night's game. Seven from the Rockets and five from the Tips.