The Kelowna Rockets 20th straight home ice victory was never really in doubt.

The Rockets jumped out to a 3-0 lead less than halfway through the opening period, then cruised to an 8-0 drubbing of the Seattle Thunderbirds Thursday in WHL action at Prospera Place.

Carter Rigby paced the Kelowna attack with three goals and two assists, while linemates Colton Heffley (1 goal, 3 assists), and JT Barnett (four assists) added four points apiece as the Rockets pushed their season record at home to 21-2.

It was Rigby's second hat-trick in as many games.

Dylen McKinlay, Jesse Lees, Colton Sissons and Tyson Baillie also scored for Kelowna, while goaltender Jordon Cooke earned his fourth shutout of the season and team-record 19th straight win.

With a Kelowna-record 20 straight wins at home, the Rockets are four wins shy of the franchise high of  24 set by the Tacoma Rockets during the 1992-93 season.

The Rockets (35-10-2-1) have won 12 of their last 13 games and are now within four points of the Portland Winterhawks for top spot in the WHL's overall standings.

The Rockets and Thunderbirds will complete a home-and-home set Friday night in Kent, Wash.

Kelowna will host the Prince Albert Raiders on Saturday night.

 

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