The first game of the season for the Kelowna Rockets saw three fights and numerous penalties handed out as the Rockets fell 3-2 in overtime to the Vancouver Giants.
While the first period saw no major action, the second period saw Rockets defenceman Dane Sorensen and Giants forward Colton Gerrior fight in a heavyweight bout, and just two minutes later, Rockets rookie Madden Daneault ran into Giants netminder Oliver Bryks, leading to a pair of scraps between Rockets players Jacob Frolo and Dawson Gerwing and Giants players Sullivan Humeniuk and Tobias Tomik. The second period ended with both teams still seeking the first goal of the game.
The third period saw the first goal of the game from Giants defenceman Rhys Pederson to give Vancouver the 1-0 lead before Rockets forward Ryan Oothoudt tied the game just a minute later. After the Giants were called for a delay-of-game penalty, sending the Rockets to the power play, defenceman Peyton Kettles scored to give the Rockets a 2-1 lead. With under two minutes to play, Giants forward Joe Iginla beat Rockets goaltender Harrison Boettiger to tie the game late and send it to sudden-death overtime. The Giants came away with the win as Tobias Tomik scored in overtime to give the Giants a 3-2 victory.
The Rockets will be back in action on Sept. 25 when they travel to Penticton to take on the Vees before hosting the Vees in their home opener at Prospera Place on Sept. 26.
