State of Play
B.C. foes Rockets, Cougars to clash tonight at Prospera
The Kelowna Rockets prepare to face off against a divisional rival — the Prince George Cougars — tonight at Prospera Place.
Fresh off of a 3-2 win in Vancouver followed by a 4-0 shutout over the Medicine Hat Tigers at home, Rockets coach Jason Smith said the recent defensive success is a product of his players simply bringing more intensity.
“We’ve been competing at a much higher level. We’ve been doing a much better job defending and our positioning has been better,” said Smith. “We haven’t been giving up premium scoring chances that are obviously a lot harder for a goaltender to stop.”
Kelowna and Prince George have met three times this season, all of them in October, with the Rockets winning all three.
On Oct. 6, Kelowna beat PG 7-6 in overtime. The following night, the Rockets were 4-3 overtime victors.
Their last meeting — on Oct. 28 — the Rockets pulled out a 4-2 win over the Cougars. Tonight’s game will be the fourth of eight meetings this season.
The Rockets enter Wednesday night with a record of 14-8-2-1 that gives them 31 points, or second place in the B.C, Division, six back of the division leading Victoria Royals, and seven ahead of the third place Vancouver Giants.
The Cougars enter Wednesday with a 9-12-22 record placing them tied with the Kamloops Blazers for fourth in the B.C. Division with 22 points.
ICE CHIPS — Puck drop is 7:05 p.m. … Following tonight’s game, the Rockets are back in action on Friday when they head to Spokane to take on the Chiefs. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. You can listen on AM1150. … Purchase your ticket before 2 p.m. today and for $19.99 you get a hot dog and soft drink. … Tickets are available for Rockets home games through selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.