Rockets Fail First Chemistry Test With Tigers

The Medicine Hat Tigers defeated the Kelowna Rockets 5-3 on Saturday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, handing the Rockets a loss on the night the team honoured its returning gold medalists from the World Junior Hockey Championship.

photo credit KelownaNow - Madison Bowey and Josh Morrissey honoured at the start of the Rockets game.

The Tigers scored a power play goal midway through the third period to snap a 3-3 tie and added an empty net goal to seal the victory.

Leon Draisaitl scored for the third straight game for the Rockets, tying the game in the third period while Justin Kirkland and Madison Bowey also scored for the Rockets.

photo credit KelownaNow - Leon Draisaitl in all alone draws the penalty for high-sticking.

Jackson Whistle suffered the loss in net as the Tigers outshot the Rockets 32-26 in front of a sold out crowd of 6,362 fans at Prospera Place.

photo credit KelownaNow - Jackson Whistle with a huge save in the first.

The Rockets have put many new pieces into play that on paper make them look like a favourite for a run to the Memorial Cup, but on this night it was the Tigers showing how important team chemistry is.

Prior to the game Rockets players Madison Bowey and Josh Morrissey were honoured alongside Bruce Hamilton as the trio returned with gold medals as part of Team Canada's entry at the 2015 World Junior Hockey Championships.

photo credit KelownaNow - Leon Draisaitl celebrates his 3rd goal in as many games.

photo credit KelownaNow - Tyrell Goulbourne steps in to defend his team-mate Nick Merkley after he got hammered into the boards.

photo credit KelownaNow - Madison Bowey scored a weird one, his shot hit Langhamer and popped up over him and in.

photo credit KelownaNow - Marek Langhamer recorded the win for the Tigers stopping 23 of 26 shots.

The Rockets are back in action at home on Wednesday night when they host the Tri-City Americans.