Cooper Moore’s equalizer brought Kamloops back to 3-3, but the Kelowna Rockets had the final answer in sudden-death overtime. The Rockets left Sandman Center with a 4-3 win after an end-to-end finish that gave both teams a point before settling the extra one.
How the Game Played Out
Kelowna struck first, with Laroque scoring on his first shift after Logan Lanthier moved down the left side and the play turned into a chance in front. The call noted that Laroque had not played the previous night, making the immediate impact a notable start. Kamloops responded in the opening period: a long attempt by Timcheck changed direction, and Teague Bouchard collected the rebound for a backhand goal to make it 1-1 midway through the frame. The broadcast highlighted Bouchard’s goal as his first in the WHL.
The transcript also records Brady Austres scoring on the power play, another important contribution from a young Blazer. Later, with the score level at 3-3, Moore finished a Kamloops sequence for his goal. The call pointed out that he had scored in back-to-back games over the weekend. The available scoring details establish a lively exchange and the eventual tie, though they do not lay out every goal in a period-by-period scoring list. What stands out in the calls is how Kamloops kept working back into the contest and created the chance to extend it.
The late stages brought chances at both ends. A shot from the Rockets was stopped by Ed Johnstone, whose save kept the game tied. Kamloops then had looks around the crease, including an Arneson chance that ended with the puck in front of Bednar and a save. Neither side found the deciding goal before regulation expired, sending the game to sudden death.
In overtime, the teams played under the no-return format mentioned on the broadcast. Ferraro came away with the puck and sent it ahead, but Kelowna regained possession through De Novo. Johnstone made a stop on the ensuing chance; the Rockets then pressed in front and scored to seal the 4-3 victory. The final sequence turned a game that had required a comeback and a late save into an overtime finish for the visitors.
What the Result Means
The result gave both clubs a point after they reached overtime, with Kelowna earning the additional point for the win. For Kamloops, Moore’s goal made the 3-3 tie possible and extended the game beyond regulation. The Blazers also had a first-period response after Laroque opened the scoring, with Bouchard providing the equalizer.
For Kelowna, Laroque’s first-shift goal set the early pace, while the overtime winner completed a night that had swung back to level late. The game offered each side a different takeaway: Kamloops showed it could draw even, and the Rockets converted their final overtime opportunity. Their next outings will give both teams a chance to build on those moments.
Watch the Highlights
The highlight video captures the opening exchange, Bouchard’s first WHL goal, Kamloops’ push to tie the game and the sudden-death finish. Watch the full WHL highlight reel above for the key sequences from Kelowna’s overtime win.
Final Score: Kelowna Rockets 4, Kamloops Blazers 3.
Final Score: Kamloops Blazers 3, Kelowna Rockets 4.
Source: WHL highlight video transcript and Highlightly match data