The Kelowna Rockets opened their 2022-23 regular season with a 6-5 overtime loss to the Portland Winterhawks on Saturday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC.
Falling behind twice, Kelowna pushed back to take a 3-2 lead heading into the third period. The Rockets created a two-goal cushion early in the third, but Portland pushed back. Kelowna once again restored the two-goal lead just before the middle of the third frame, but Portland responded with two straight goals to force overtime, where they eventually won the game.
Andrew Cristall (1) ripped a backhanded shot past Giannuzzi before the end of the second period. Later, Cristall (2) pushed the Rockets out to a two-goal lead while on the power play 54 seconds into the third period.
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Just because it's Gabby's birthday doesn't mean he can't toss out a gift too, Andrew Cristall says 'thank you very much', probably.
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) September 25, 2022
🚨 @AndrewCristall
🍎 @GSzturc, @AdamKydd pic.twitter.com/USlwdrEd64
His nickname's AC and he's cool as a cucumber, but that shot was absolute 🔥
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) September 25, 2022
🚨 @AndrewCristall
🍎 @AdamKydd, @GSzturc pic.twitter.com/thma0OCdMf
Andrew is good at hockey. It's Cristall clear.😉@Kelowna_Rockets pic.twitter.com/jRGrFI3cPk
— The WHL (@TheWHL) September 25, 2022
😎, @AndrewCristall #WDSE #WHL #KelownaRockets #NHLDraft2023 #Hockey #Style https://t.co/coaRC6pTZg pic.twitter.com/rg6nW88qJY
— WD Sports & Entertainment (@WD_sportsagency) September 25, 2022