The Kelowna Rockets are gearing up for what’s going to be a very interesting last weekend of the regular season.
After collecting points in nine straight games, the team lost both games of their home-and-home series with the Everett Silvertips on Friday, Mar. 15 and Saturday, Mar. 16 by the scores of 6-2 and 4-2.
In the two games, Gabriel Szturc collected three points, including two goals to get him to 31 in the campaign. Tij Iginla also scored his team-leading 47th goal of the season.
Now, with just two games left in the regular season, there is still lots to be determined in the WHL’s Western Conference standings. While the eight playoff teams are set, the Rockets could place anywhere from fourth to eighth.
Going into the weekend, the Rockets sit sixth in the west with 67 points, a record of 31-30-4-1. They are just one point behind the Vancouver Giants, who they play a massive home-and-home series with to end the regular season. Wenatchee is three points ahead at 70 points and has an advantage to clinch fourth place and home-ice advantage as they have three games left.
Victoria and Spokane are still in striking distance as well as they are two and three points behind the Kelowna respectively.
Wenatchee and Victoria play each other twice this week, which are another two big games that will determine the standings.
The Rockets and Giants face off at 7 p.m. at the Langley Events Centre on Friday night (Mar. 22) and Saturday night (Mar. 23) back at Prospera Place at 7:05 p.m.
For the last home game of the regular season on Saturday night, the Rockets are hosting Fan Appreciation Night. The Hip Replacements will be providing live music all night long while the 50/50 starts at $10,000, with the proceeds supporting Kelowna Minor Hockey. Every fan will receive a free team poster.
Additionally, fans have until puck drop to get their names in to win a jersey off the player’s backs. The fans whose names are drawn from the ballot will be collecting specialty jerseys from the Rockets themselves.
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