Rockets drop close season opener in overtime to Vancouver Giants

The Kelowna Rockets came away with a single point in a hard-fought season opener in Langley Friday night.

The Rockets kicked off their regular season on the road against the Vancouver Giants at the Langley Events Centre, losing the close game in overtime.

Both teams came out fast and physical, with several fights in the second period, but the nets remained empty through 40 minutes.

The scoring kicked of at 6:52 of the third period, with the Giants taking the first lead of the game. The Rockets tied it up a minute later with Ryan Oothoudt putting in the team's first of the season.

The Rockets then took advantage of a five-minute power play a few minutes later, with a rebound from Peyton Kettles putting them up 2-1.

But with less than two minutes in regulation, the Giants capitalized on a late power play and sent the game to overtime.

In the extra frame, Kelowna's Owen Folstrom was awarded a penalty shot, but he couldn't capitalize.

A few minutes later, the Giants again found themselves on the power play, and Tobias Tomik finished the game with a one-timer.

The Rockets were outshot 34-27 in the loss.

The team returns to the Okanagan on Friday, playing the Penticton Vees at the South Okanagan Events Centre, followed by their home opener on Saturday.