Rockets advance to title game

KELOWNA, B.C. — The Western Hockey League’s Kelowna Rockets clinched a berth in Sunday’s final of the Memorial Cup with 2-1 win over the Medicine Hat Tigers on Thursday in the final round robin game of the tourney.

The Gatineau Olympiques (2-1) will meet the Tigers (1-2) in Saturday’s semifinal. The winner gains a rematch with the host Rockets (3-0) in the championship game.

Defenseman Brett Palin scored the winner at 12:44 of the third period. His power-play goal was sandwiched in between two power outages at Prospera Place that delayed the game 50 minutes.

It was announced that lightning strikes in the area were the cause.

The arena went dark at 11:34 of the third period and again at 17:30. The teams were sent to their dressing rooms both times while power was restored and the ice was resurfaced during the second interruption.

The Tigers had a power play in the last minute of the game and pulled goaltender Kevin Nastiuk for a two-player advantage, but Medicine Hat was unable to force overtime.

Randall Gelech scored a power-play goal for the Rockets in the first period. Chris St. Jacques replied for the Tigers in the second.

Rockets goaltender Kelly Guard stopped 18 of 19 shots. He has allowed two goals in three games.

Kelowna’s victory avoided a three-way tie at 2-1 between Medicine Hat, Kelowna and Gatineau. A goal differential percentage would have then determined playoff seedings.

Today is an off day for all teams. Securing the berth in the final is a strategic advantage as it gives a team an extra day of rest and preparation as well as another chance to scout the opposition in the semifinal.