After the Kelowna Rockets' (2-5-0-0) effort on Friday night, it's safe for the team and fans to say they missed Andrew Cristall.
In his first game of the season, Cristall scored a goal and added four assists, leading the Rockets to a 9-4 win over the Portland Winterhawks. Cristall was assigned back to Kelowna from the NHL's Washington Capitals earlier in the week.
On top of Cristall's big game, Tij Iginla had a hat-trick, including scoring the first two games of the game. The two of them each finished +6.
Defenceman Caden Price also found the back of the net and added three assists.
The game-winning goal ending up coming off the stick of Jakub Stancl, who scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season at the 5:24 mark of the second period.
Max Graham, Hiroki Gojsic and Jaxon Kehrig all scored their first goals of the season as well.
Former West Kelowna Warrior Tyson Jugnauth collected an assist on one of Portland's goals.
Rockets netminder Jake Pilon made 30 saves in the win.
“Our group was obviously excited to play. We were able to make some plays early and the addition of Andrew (Cristall) back into the line up brought a renewed confidence and we were able to get off to start that we did … we kind of rode that momentum. It was fun to watch,” said Rockets head coach Kris Mallette. “That line (of Graham, Iginla and Cristall) obviously contributed, but they were able to wear down the opposition to allow other lines to get in there and do the same thing and they were rewarded for it. That first 40 minutes was fun to watch, we got a lot that we deserved.”
It was 'Pink the Rink' night at Prospera Place on Friday, where proceeds raised went to Canadian Cancer Society. The specialty jerseys the Rockets wore are available via auction that continues until Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
The Rockets will enjoy a couple days off before hitting the ice on Monday afternoon as they welcome the Prince Albert Raiders (1-3-2-0) to town. Puck drop is at 2:05 p.m.