Jessica Schwitek
Reporter2@thegoldenstar.net
The Rockets have officially opened their season with a perfect weekend.
Battling back from a 1-0 deficit after the second period, the Rockets took a 2-1 victory over the Columbia Valley Rockies at their home opener on Friday night.
With what club president Curt Thorne called “the biggest crowd in memory,” watching, Darren Andre scored the tying goal early in the third. And with 6:33 remaining on the clock Lane Erickson scored the game winner on a breakaway pass from Brett Hanna.
Saturday night saw a rematch with the Rockies on their home turf, but Golden boys delivered a 9-1 beating, which included one powerplay and one shorthanded goal.
“It was a great weekend,” said Head Coach and GM Ty Davidson. “Any weekend when you can say you won two games is a great weekend.
“We played a good team game both nights. I’m really happy, it went well.”
A high number of penalties on Saturday put the Rockets’ special teams to the test, and they passed with flying colours, especially on the penalty kill which is currently at 100 per cent.
“We did a great job on the penalty kill, and we had a really nice powerplay goal,” said Davidson.
The team is still in the learning process this early in the season, and are spending much of their time fine-tuning and developing their individual skillsets said Davidson.
For the time being the roster is set, but they are looking forward to getting Bryden Marsh back into the lineup, which Davidson hopes will be on Oct. 1.
“I’m pretty happy with what we have right now though. I like our depth, and both our goalies have played exceptionally. They weren’t tested a lot, but when they were they came through,” said Davidson.
The Rockets will be on the road for their next game against the Creston Valley Thundercats on Friday, but will be back in town on Saturday to take on the North Okanagan Knights at the Golden Arena at 7:30 p.m.
