Party Poopers

• The Kelowna Rockets know how to spoil a party, especially if the Calgary Hitmen are hosting the bash. The Rockets earned a 2-1 win back on February 28th when the Hitmen were attempting to set a franchise record for home ice wins. Then in game one of the WHL final, the Rockets prevented the Hitmen from reaching the WHL record books with a 3-1 victory. Had the Hitmen won the game, they would have set a new league record for consecutive wins in the playoffs. That streak was stopped at 12 games.
• Jamie Benn had two goals and an assist in game one. Benn's three point effort surpasses Jesse Schultz for the Rockets franchise record for points in a playoff. Benn now has 31 points in 17 playoff games, 3 better than Schultz, who had 28 points in the 2003 post season.
• I liked the Rockets opening 10 minutes before the Hitmen took over in the final half of the opening period. While the Hitmen dominated the second period, the Rockets were able to weather the storm and managed a 1-1 tie heading into the third period. It was a textbook road game by the Rockets. You won't find much 'flash and dash' in the Rockets game, but it was effective enough for a game one victory.
• Mark Guggenberger didn't get a game star in the building, but got an honour on our broadcast. While the Hitmen hit no less than three posts in the third, the 20 year-old goaltender made some solid saves, including getting his glove on a puck that appeared to hit the post before almost trickling over the goal line.
• The best hit I've seen in this years playoffs goes to Hitmen defenceman Keith Seabrook. Seabrook leveled Rockets forward Jamie Benn with a huge hit as the two converged on a loose puck in the corner. Benn went flying into the air and landed awkwardly in the corner. Benn slowly made his way off the ice before returning in the third period.
• The Rockets power play manufactured two goals on just three chances. While impressive, the fact that the visitors shutout the Hitmen in four power play chances was the significant stat.
• The Hitmen's defensive core impressed me in game one. They love to join the attack, shoot at will and make good decisions in their own zone. The Hitmen's forwards had an off night and generated few top quality chances. The Rockets defensive core should also get credit for keeping Brett Sonne quiet in game one.
• It was a blast from the past in the media room prior to game one. Parry Shockey, Brian Maxwell and Mike Moore were all in attendance. Shockey and Maxwell are former WHL coaches while Moore is a former GM.