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Two late-game goals from Cozens not enough as ‘Canes fall to Rockets

Mar 7, 2020 | 10:44 PM

KELOWNA, BC – With a playoff spot already clinched, the Lethbridge Hurricanes were looking to end their recent road trip with a win in Kelowna Saturday night.

FIRST PERIOD

The first period saw four goals scored; with three of those coming from the host team Kelowna Rockets.

· Ty Nash opened the game at 3:32, putting Lethbridge up 1-0 off assists from Oliver Okuliar and Danila Palivko. It was Nash’s sixth goal of the season.

· Trevor Wong tied the game up at the 7:37 mark.

· Matthew Wedman put Kelowna up 2-1 at 9:13 with a power play goal.

· Before the period closed, Pavel Novak made it 3-1 Kelowna at 14:28 – a commanding lead going into the game’s second frame.

From the game officials, Calen Addison (Lethbridge) was called for interference at the 7:52 mark. Teammate Dino Kambeitz was also called for roughing at that same time, as was Kelowna’s Conner McDonald following a scuffle.

At the 11:27 mark, Mark Liwiski (Kelowna) received a minor penalty for hooking.

SECOND PERIOD

The start of the second period saw Kelowna’s Roman Basran called for unsportsmanlike conduct at 4:43. His penalty was served by Pavel Novak.

Lethbridge’s Koletrane Wilson was issued a minor for tripping. Wilson’s time in the box was served by Chase Wheatcroft at the 9:35 mark.

Kelowna took full advantage, with Kyle Topping picking up his 12th goal of the season. The power play score at the 9:58 mark made it 4-1 for the Rockets.

It wouldn’t be the last goal of the period for the home team.

Matthew Wedman scored his second of the game and 22nd of the season at 16:25, boosting Kelowna’s lead to 5-1 as the end of the period neared.

Before the buzzer sounded, Kelowna’s Tyson Feist was issued a minor penalty for roughing at 18:28.

THIRD PERIOD

At the start of the third, Dillon Hamaliuk (Kelowna) was given minor for cross checking 2:21 into the final period.

Alex Cotton scored at 8:38 for Lethbridge. Cotton’s goal was followed by a score from Dylan Cozens’ at the 9:45 mark. Cozens followed that up with another goal at the 11:01 mark to cut Kelowna’s lead to one.

13:37 into the frame, Pavel Novak (Kelowna) served a minor for too many men on the ice. Lethbridge’s Calen Addison was called for tripping at 18:52.

Cozens’ late-game goals wouldn’t be enough and the Rockets earned the 5-4 victory as the matchup came to a close.

The ‘Canes are back at home Friday, March 13 to host the Edmonton Oil Kings, while the Rockets host the Victoria Royals Wednesday, March 11.