Severely shorthanded in shootout loss

Without seven regulars in the line up, the Kelowna Rockets managed to earn a point Friday night in Prince Albert.
Colton Heffley, Damon Severson, Cody Chikie, Myles Bell, Tyrell Goulbourne, Filip Vasko and Spencer Main were all sidelined with injuries as the Rockets suffered a 3-2 shootout loss to the Raiders. Prince Albert won it's 5th straight at home by rallying from a 2-1 third period deficit while the Rockets are now 1-2-0-2 during the five game Eastern Conference road trip. The six game in nine night stretch of games ends Saturday night in Saskatoon.

The Rockets, much like last Friday in a 4-3 shootout loss in Swift Current, had two chances to win the game but were unable to score. Brett Bulmer and Carter Rigby both had the game on their stick in the shootout but couldn't find the back of the net.

After dominating the majority of the second period, it was the Raiders chance to turn the table in the third period by out-shooting the Rockets 18-4. Despite the low shot total, Rockets rookie defenceman Madison Bowey almost won the game with an end-to-end rush that was denied by Raiders goaltender Cole Holowenko.

Brett Bulmer and Bowey were both denied good scoring chances in overtime, but Holowenko, the games first star, was able to keep it out.

Shane McColgan scored his 10th goal of the season in a losing cause. McColgan joins Colton Sissons as the only double digit goal scorers on the team this season.

Used as a forward at times, defenceman Jesse Lees had a strong game. What impressed me most about the 16 year-old's play was his willingness to get involved physical with several solid hits.

The game featured the homecoming of Rockets rookie forward Tanner Moar. Moar had a large cheering section as family and friends represented his hometown of Canwood, Saskatchewan. The village is about 45 minutes northwest of Prince Albert.

A bat flying through the Art Hauser Centre in the first period caught the attention of the crowd. It caught the attention of the players during the first period time-out when it swooped down low near the Rockets bench. I wouldn't have blamed goaltender Jordon Cooke for keeping his mask on even during the 90 second stoppage.

Sixteen year-old Stewart Coyle made his WHL debut Friday night for the Rockets. Coyle, who is playing in the KIJHL with the Sicamous Eagles, saw the ice in the first period.