Porters post shutout as Rockets blank Blazers 1-0

The Kelowna Rockets beat the visiting Kamloops Blazers 1-0 on Friday night in WHL pre-season action at Prospera Place.

After 20 hard-fought minutes, the two teams were scoreless. Shots were 16-6 in favour of Kamloops in the first period.

The battling continued for another full period, but neither team could break the deadlock. Shots were 25-15 for the Blazers through 40 minutes.

Goalies at both ends held the door shut until Kamloops took a checkingfrom-behind penalty with 1:26 to go in the final frame. Kelowna capitalized on the man advantage, finally solving Blazers goaltender Max Palaga with 30.8 seconds remaining in regulation as James Hilsendager blasted a point shot that found its way through traffic. Assists on the power-play marker went to Leif Mattson and Colum McGauley.

Cody Porter and James Porter, who aren’t related, split time between the pipes for Kelowna. Cody stopped all 21 shots he faced to start the game, and James blocked 11 shots in relief as they combined for a shutout. Kamloops outshot Kelowna 32-20.

The Rockets close out pre-season play tonight in Kamloops. Kelowna then has a 13-day break between games before opening the regular season with another home-and-home set against Kamloops.

The Rockets host the Blazers on Friday, Sept. 22, 7:05 p.m. at Prospera Place. Tickets are available online through selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.