Rockets roll into second round for first time in 7 years

The Kelowna Rockets advanced to the second round of the WHL playoffs for the first time since 2017 after a 4-2 victory over the Wenatchee Wild on Sunday at Prospera Place.

Andrew Cristall had 2 goals and one assist to lead the Rockets who won the series 4 games to 2.

“We didn’t want to go back to Wenatchee,” Rockets head coach Kris Mallette said in his post game interview. “I’m really happy with the resiliency within our group and really proud, it’s something that that the Rockets organization hasn’t been able to do in quite some time.”

Veteran netminder Jari Kykkanen went 4-1-0-1 in his third postseason appearance, posting a 2.88 goals-against average and .911 save percentage in the matchup. Kykkanen was named first star in two of the games.

“Jari for the last month and a half has been the reason why we’ve gotten into these types of situations,” said Mallette. “Obviously in playoffs he has risen to the challenges and we’re benefitting from him and the way he’s playing.”

With the Everett Silvertips eliminating the Vancouver Giants today, the Rockets will next face the Western Conference and BC Division champion Prince George Cougars in the second round.

“We’re going to enjoy this victory, said Mallette. “But we’ve got to make sure that again another team that transitions extremely well and has a very, very good power play, so that’s something we need to be cognizant of. No one is going to give us a chance in this series, but we’re up for the challenge.”