Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

. Calm, composed, clinic

Veteran Rockets flex in third period

Jan 16, 2026 | 10:11 PM

The Kelowna Rockets are the second-oldest team in the Western Hockey League, and Friday night at Prospera Place, that experience was on full display.

In a game that demanded patience and a sprinkle of composure, the Rockets delivered their most complete period of hockey when it mattered most, scoring three times in the third period to earn a 5-2 win over the Calgary Hitmen. Kelowna outshot Calgary 19-9 in the final frame, turning a tight, tactical contest into a convincing home ice victory.

Carson Wetsch led the way against his former club, scoring twice and adding an assist. The former Hitman was named the game’s first star after a dominant night that showcased both skill and maturity.

Associate coach Don Hay said the early stages had the feel of a chess match.

“I thought the first period was a feeling-out process,” Hay said. “Calgary is quick, they are well coached, and they defend really well. They do not give you much. In games like that, the team that cracks first usually loses.”

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Kelowna did not crack, earning its fourth straight win.

Instead, the Rockets leaned on their experience and structure, waiting for the game to open up. The turning point came early in the third period on the power play, when Hiroki Gojsic scored off the rush following a clean breakout, finished by a veteran with a quick release.

“That was a great goal,” Hay said. “The way we came up the ice, that is exactly how you want it done. As a penalty killing coach, those are the ones you hate because they happen fast and they happen off the rush.”

That goal gave Kelowna the lead and momentum. Moments later, the Rockets killed off a penalty and then began to take control of the game territorially. Calgary struggled to generate sustained pressure, managing few quality chances outside of a late power play and a pulled goalie situation.

“I thought we really settled in after that,” Hay said. “We stayed disciplined, we did not do anything to hurt ourselves, and we managed the puck well. They did not get a lot of opportunities.”

The discipline stood out against a fast Calgary team that often forces opponents into rushed decisions or unnecessary penalties. Kelowna played physical hockey without crossing the line, keeping Calgary to the outside and forcing long trips up the ice.

“You have to know when to make a play and when not to,” Hay said. “If you force things, you create turnovers and the puck is going the other way. Sometimes the right play is just getting it in deep and making them skate the full length of the ice.”

Wetsch’s second goal extended the lead and removed any doubt, while Kelowna’s veteran presence continued to show in all three zones. The Rockets’ depth on the blue line was also a factor, with recent additions helping reduce minutes for the top pairing and keeping the group fresh late.

“Parker Alcos and Keith McInnis have been really good additions for us,” Hay said. “Parker skates well, he is smart defensively, and he kills plays quickly. What those guys have done is bring minutes down for our top defensemen, and that matters. You do not have to play more to play better. You have to be efficient.”

That efficiency showed clearly in the third period. The Rockets looked calm and confident, a group comfortable waiting for the right moment to press.

Around the Western Conference, the night brought movement in the standings. The Rockets remain three points back of the Prince George Cougars, who went into Kamloops and earned an overtime win. With the race tightening, Hay said games like Friday’s are critical.

“It is really tight right now,” he said. “If we want to move up, we have to beat good teams.

“We have to beat teams ahead of us. Tonight was a good step, but we have to build on it.”