Rockets drop pre-season opener

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German continued to stand tall in the second period, stopping all 15 shots he faced. The Rockets created some chances of their own, recording nine shots in the middle frame, but neither team could find the back of the net as Kamloops took a 1-0 lead into the third period.

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Kelowna pushed for the tying goal in the final period and had two opportunities on the power play, but the Rockets were unable to capitalize.

With German pulled for an extra attacker late in the game, River Arnason scored into the empty net at 18:56 to give the Blazers a 2-0 lead.

The Rockets answered quickly. Just 27 seconds later, Colton Lien set up Drew McDevitt, who scored his first goal of the preseason to cut the deficit to one.

Kelowna continued to pressure the Blazers in the final seconds, but Kamloops held on for the 2-1 victory.

German made a strong first preseason appearance, stopping 36 of 37 shots in 59:09 of action.

The Rockets finished the night with 23 shots on goal, while Kamloops recorded 38. Kelowna went 0-for-4 on the power play, while the Blazers finished 0-for-3.

The two teams will meet again Saturday night as the preseason series moves to Kelowna. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at Prospera Place.