Bruins win WHL opener

CHILLIWACK, British Columbia – The Chilliwack Bruins franchise started off with a bang by winning in its Western Hockey League debut.

Stephane Lenoski scored the winner and Alex Archibald stopped 17 shots as the Bruins defeated the Kelowna Rockets 3-1 Thursday for their first victory in franchise history.

Keith Voytechek and Aki Kangasmaki also scored for Chilliwack, while Mark Santorelli added two assists to send a raucous sold-out crowd of 5,100 home happy.

Rob Roteliuk replied for Kelowna, which finished 0 for 12 on the power play.

Before the game, the Bruins held a tailgate party and a ceremony involving the Stanley Cup, Memorial Cup and a whole lot of fireworks.