They don't say how; they just say how many

Shoot the Breeze Photo

• The Kelowna Rockets went into Wednesday night's road game in Prince George with a perfect 5-0-0-0 record when leading after two periods. That successful trend continued courtesy of the most spectacular play of the  night where dull hockey was the norm in a 4-2 win at CN Centre. While killing a second period penalty, Rockets leading point producer Nolan Foote would initiate body contact on Cougars d-man Rhett Reinhart. Foote not only separated player from puck, he was able to pass it out front to Liam Kindree, who's one timer blew past goaltender Taylor Gauthier. It gave the visitors a 3-2 lead that they would never relinquish. Foote put the game on ice with his 7th goal of the season on a well executed two-on-one late in the third period with Leif Mattson and the Rockets collected their 7th win of the season.
• For a second straight game the Rockets played with more intensity and its translated into more team toughness. While no fights broke out last night against two teams that were meeting for the third time in three weeks, the Rockets weren't about to be pushed around. While the Cougars typically don't shy away from the rough stuff, I would suggest the Rockets gave more than they received. Frankly, I think this team needs to take on more attributes of its head coach, so the aggression is a welcome change. Adam Foote was not a fighter, nor did he have to be. Foote competed and didn't back down from anyone during his time in the NHL. The rougher the game, the more intense it was, the more Foote flourished. 
• With more aggressive play comes more trips to the penalty box. While allowing both Kamloops and Prince George 7 power play chances each in back-to-back road games, the Rockets have taken the 7th most penalties minutes of the 22 teams on the WHL circuit. 
• The Rockets made an addition to their leadership before Wednesday's game. Twenty year-old forward Leif Mattson was given an 'A' on his jersey. Mattson joins Dillon Hamaliuk and Kyle Topping as assistants to captain Nolan Foote. The promotion may have been a factor in Mattson snapping an 11 game goal scoring drought with his first of the season. Named the third star, Mattson had a goal and assist and his first period goal gave the Rockets a 2-0 lead. Video review was needed to determine that Mattson's shot, during a goal mouth scramble, did indeed go over the line before Taylor Gauthier pulled it out quickly with the paddle of his stick.
• Rookie Deegan Mofford made his WHL debut and didn't look out of place. A third round WHL bantam pick, I was wondering how overwhelmed he would look after being a healthy scratch for the opening 11 games. The coaching staff must have been pleased with Mofford's effort in creating a scoring chance on his opening shift. When I asked head coach Adam Foote what he wanted to see from Mofford, he quickly stated the 18 year-old knows what he is and doesn't try to be something he isn't. I see Mofford getting more ice time and less time in the press box after what he showed in Prince George. 
• The win was the Rockets second in six games against BC Division opponents. With a record of 2-3-1-0, those two wins have come against the Cougars.
• Why do the Rockets already have 7 wins this season? Solid goaltending and a greater commitment to defending is likely a big reason why. The team has allowed just 31 goals against after 12 games this season. At this time last year, the team had surrendered 45 goals against. Going from 3.75 goals per game to 2.58 goals against is impressive despite the small sample size. 
• With Skate Canada International taking over Prospera Place, a rare quirk in the schedule as the team has the luxury of having the entire weekend off. Yep, no games this weekend until the team boards the bus again Monday for a pair of games in Victoria Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.
• Had the chance to shake hands with Tom Kowal, who is now the WHL's Officiating Development Coach. Kowal was in Prince George last night to watch Brett Iverson and Troy Paterson do their thing. Kowal is a Vernon resident but now makes his home in High River, Alberta. The next time we cross paths, I will make sure to put a microphone in his face and interview him about the over 1,000 games he called as a referee in the NHL.      
• Good luck to my roommate and all around good guy Chaydyn Johnson as he heads to the prairies for the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge in Swift Current and Medicine Hat. The 23 year-old will be an equipment manager for Team Red.