Morrissey Leads Rockets to Western Conference Final

Josh Morrissey's five point performance in his return to the Rockets lineup was a big factor in the 7-3 series ending victory over the Victoria Royals.

Jackson Whistle made seven of nine saves in the first before being relieved. Whistle was credited for three of the four wins in the series with the first game being a 5-0 shutout. (photo KelownaNow)

The two teams exchanged goals in the first with two each, shots were 10-9 in favour of the Rockets. Leon Draisaitl with the first goal early in the game. Jack Walker and Brandon Fushimi responded for the Royals late in the period less than a minute apart to give the Royals the only lead they would have in the game and that only lasted just over a minute. Josh Morrissey's first goal of the game and second point made it 2-2 at the 19:26 mark.

Brandon Fushimi with the deke to beat Whistle making it 2-1 for Royals. (photo KelownaNow)

Dan Lambert made a goalie change to start the second with Michael Herringer going in for starter Jackson Whistle.

The Rockets only allowed five shots in the second and seven in the third as they dominated the Royals, outscoring them 5-1 in the final two periods and closing off the series with the 7-3 win.

Brandon Magee had one assist in his last game in the WHL. (photo KelownaNow)

Morrissey scored his second of the game in the second while Rodney Southam and Tyson Baillie had singles.

Justin Paulic started the game and played just under 37 minutes, allowing five goals on 26 shots. (photo KelownaNow)

Coleman Vollrath stopped 11 of 13 shots in the 23 minutes he played. (photo KelownaNow)

Rourke Chartier scored his seventh of the playoffs in the third and Cole Linaker with his second.

Rourke Chartier celebrates his 7th goal of the playoffs. (photo KelownaNow)

Travis Brown scored the last goal of the game on the power-play.

Josh Morrissey made his return to the lineup and was named the game's first star with 2 goals and 3 assists. (photo KelownaNow)

Morrissey's partner on the blueline, Cole Martin was named the game's second star. (photo KelownaNow)

Leon Draisaitl and Tyson Baillie celebrate the first goal of the game. Draisaitl was named the game's second star for his 1 goal, 2 assist performance. (photo KelownaNow)

The Rockets now advance to the WHL Western Confernce final series which will begin next Friday and Saturday nights at Prospera Place against the winner of the Portland-Everett series.

Tickets go on sale Saturday morning at 9:30 through Select Your Tickets.