Once as much as 17 points off the pace, the Kelowna Rockets are making a late season charge in the WHL’s B.C. Division.
The Rockets downed first-place Prince George 5-2 Saturday night at Prospera Place to pull within seven points of the Cougars, with a game in hand.
The Rockets, who have won seven of their last nine games, have also pulled to within three points of second place Kamloops.
Nick Merkley and Tomas Soustal each had a goal and an assist for the Rockets who have beaten the Cougars in the last three meetings between the division rivals.
Devante Stephens, James Hilsendager and Calvin Thurkauf, with his team-leading 30th of the season into an empty net, also scored for Kelowna.
Michael Herringer stopped 25 shots in the Rockets goal, while Nick McBride faced 41 shots in the Prince George net, including 20 in the final period.
The Rockets (34-20-5-0) return to action Wednesday when they host the Edmonton Oil Kings.
