Max Graham scores twice, leading Rockets to 6-3 victory over Victoria in WHL

The Kelowna Rockets secure a 6-3 victory over the Victoria Royals, avenging their previous loss against the same team.

The Kelowna Rockets dominated the visiting Victoria Royals in a convincing 6-3 victory on Wednesday. This win marked the Rockets' fourth consecutive win, and it was a sweet revenge for their previous 9-7 loss to the Royals during the holiday season. Max Graham played a crucial role in the victory, scoring two goals, including the game winner. Andrew Cristall also contributed with a goal and two assists, extending his point streak to eight games, during which he has had multiple points in seven of those games.

The Rockets started strong, taking a 2-0 lead with goals from Hiroki Gojsic and Graham. Graham's goal was particularly impressive, as he maneuvered past a fallen defender and drove the net while the Rockets were shorthanded. Reflecting on the play, Graham mentioned how he patiently waited for the fallen defender to make a mistake, and when the opportunity presented itself, he took it to the net, resulting in a successful goal.

Although the Royals managed to tie the game before the end of the first period, Rockets head coach Kris Mallette was pleased with his team's effort. He acknowledged that there were tense moments and some ill-advised penalties to kill off, but overall, he felt that his team competed well, managed the puck effectively, and created numerous scoring opportunities.

The second period saw both teams exchanging goals, but Graham's powerful wrist shot from the left circle proved to be the game-winning goal. This marked Graham's second two-goal performance in four games, a significant improvement from his slow start to the season. Graham expressed gratitude for the trust the coaches have shown in him and emphasized the importance of continuing to play his game, as the points will come.

In the opening two minutes of the third period, the Rockets sealed the victory with goals from Cristall and Tij Iginla, scored just 44 seconds apart while playing four aside. Gabriel Szturc also contributed to the Rockets' offensive display with a power play goal from the top of the right circle. The Rockets peppered the Royals' goalie, Jayden Kraus, with a season-high 45 shots, while Jari Kykkanen made 27 saves out of the 30 shots he faced.

With this win, the Rockets now embark on a road trip, facing off against the Spokane Chiefs and the Wenatchee Wild on Friday and Saturday, respectively. They will not play another home game until a week later when they face the same Victoria Royals once again.