By Regan Bartel

Not pretty, just persistent

Third-period surge lifts Rockets to home ice win

Dec 28, 2025 | 6:00 AM

The Kelowna Rockets shook off some post-break rust and found their push when it mattered most, rallying for a 6-4 win Saturday night against the visiting Vancouver Giants in front of 5,880 fans at Prospera Place.

It wasn’t clean. It wasn’t perfect. But it was determined.

After trailing through much of the first 40 minutes, the Rockets flipped the game with a dominant third period, scoring three straight goals and finally grabbing the lead they had been hunting all night.

“That was the key,” said assistant coach Brandon McMillan. “Just getting the lead. It’s the first game back after a break — those are never mistake-free. A lot of our mistakes ended up in our net early, but we stuck with it.”

Kelowna controlled large stretches of the game despite the score line, pouring 61 shots on goal and refusing to let frustration creep in. Even while trailing after two periods, the Rockets believed the game was there for them.

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“We had 24 shots in the second period alone,” McMillan said. “We were controlling a lot of the play. You could have sagged a bit, but the group came out in the third and played a really strong period.”

That pressure finally paid off. Kelowna spent long shifts in the offensive zone, tilted the ice, and made the adjustments needed to break through — especially around the net.

“When the goalie can see it, they’re good,” McMillan explained. “We needed more bodies in front. If he can’t see the puck, even if he makes the save, he can’t control the rebound. That’s where second chances come from.”

Those second chances started to arrive in waves.

The turning point came on a four-minute power play early in the third. With the game tied, the Rockets knew it was a moment that demanded a response.

“In those situations, you feel like you have to score,” said McMillan. “If you don’t, the momentum can swing the other way.”

Kelowna delivered. Mazden Leslie’s power play goal, after a night where many of his attempts were blocked, pushed the Rockets ahead for good and visibly lifted the bench. From there, Kelowna never looked back, adding insurance before a late deflection sealed the 6-4 result.

Special teams proved decisive. The Rockets went 2-for-4 on the power play while holding Vancouver scoreless on two chances.

“Hockey now is a lot about special teams,” McMillan said. “If you can score on the power play and not give one up, you can win a lot of games.”

The comeback unfolded in front of a strong post-holiday crowd, one that gave the building a playoff feel at times.

“The guys get a lot of motivation from seeing the seats full,” McMillan said. “Hopefully we keep playing well and the fans keep enjoying the hockey we’re providing.”

For the Rockets, it was exactly what they wanted out of their first game back — two points, lessons learned, and momentum heading into a rivalry matchup Monday night against Penticton.

“It’s nice to get the first one out of the way,” McMillan said. “You work on the little things tomorrow and get ready. Monday should be a fun one.”