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Rockets hit three-game skid, special teams shine

The Rockets 8-8-2 on the season heading into December
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Despite their three-games kid, the Rockets boast some of the best special teams in the division. (Claire Palmer photo)

The Rockets closed out November with a three game skid, taking one point out of their last three games after winning two straight at home.

Last Tuesday, Nov. 23, the Rockets were downed 4-3 by the Creston Valley Thunder Cats in overtime on the road.

It was a back and forth affair, with the Rockets goals coming from Drayden Gibson, Brydon Foster and Connor Funke, with that latter two goals coming in the third period to force over time.

Foster had a goal and an assist in the loss, earning him first star of the game, while Jordan Lario had two assists. Zac Siudy, Aidan Ballance and Liam Furlong all had assists as well.

Michael O’Sullivan got the start in net, with 31 saves on 35 shots.

The two teams faced off once again on Saturday, Nov. 26 in Golden, with the Thunder Cats once again getting the best of the Rockets by just a goal, claiming a 3-2 win.

The two teams were tied at one after the first 20 minutes of play, with the Rockets goal coming from Nathan Kaye on the powerplay, and assists from Aidan Ballance and Liam Furlong.

Foster had the lone goal of the second period to put the Rockets ahead, coming on the power play, with Furlong and Lario earning assists.

However, a strong third period from the Thunder Cats sealed the deal with two late goals.

Levi Hall got the start in net, with 38 saves on 41 shots.

On Saturday, the Rockets headed south the face off against the top team in the division, the Columbia Valley Rockies.

Despite getting on the board first with a power play goal from Derek Teare, assisted by Alexander Johnson and Andrew Teare, four unanswered goals gave the Rockets their third loss of the week.

O’Sullivan started in net, with 49 saves on 52 shots, for first star of the game.

A positive from the week is that the Rockets now have some of the best special teams in the divison, with the best power play, converting on 17.8 per cent of their man advantages, as well as the best penalty kill, which stands at 88.7 per cent.

The Rockets are now 8-8-2 on the season, and sit three points back of Fernie for the last playoff spot, and nine points behind Columbia Valley for first, with two games in hand.

Their next game comes on Friday, Dec. 3 on the road against Beaver Valley, before a home and home with Kimberley at the Plywood Palace on Saturday and a mid-week Tuesday game in Kimberley.



Claire Palmer

About the Author: Claire Palmer

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