Kelowna Rockets aim to be Giant killers tonight at Prospera Place

Kelowna looking to build on 1st win of the season; tough test vs. Vancouver

Optimism is on the rise surrounding the Kelowna Rockets.

After a rough start to the WHL season — losing their first four games and struggling to score — the Rockets broke out for a 5-2 road victory over the Prince George Cougars on Saturday night, racing out to a 3-0 lead in the first period after failing to score a first-period goal in any of their previous four games.

Tonight, the Rockets (1-4-0-0) will look to build on that momentum when hosting the Vancouver Giants (3-1-0-0) — 7:05 p.m. at Prospera Place — while also knowing some offensive help is on the way once Liam Kindree is healthy and thanks to the acquisition of over-age forward Lane Zablocki from the rival Victoria Royals over the weekend.

“Yes, it’s great to get that first win, but by no means are we satisfied as a team,” said assistant coach Kris Mallette. “It’s our expectation to continue to work hard and get better every day and our game Saturday was a good start.

“In watching Vancouver’s previous games, they’re a quick, skilled team. Our preparation doesn’t change. We’ll need to skate and compete and stick to our systems for 60 minutes.”

Prior to tonight’s game, all eyes will be on the WHL board of governors meeting in Calgary where the 2020 Memorial Cup host city will be announced. Kelowna is in the mix with Kamloops and Lethbridge, Alta.

“I’d be lying if I said we’re all not going to be paying attention, it would be very exciting for our team and the city to be chosen as Memorial Cup hosts,” said Mallette.

Tonight is the first of nine meetings between Kelowna and Vancouver this season. They met eight times last season, with the Rockets going 5-2-1-0. Tonight is also a Hat Trick Wednesday, with tickets before 2 p.m. costing $19.99 and including a hot dog and a pop.