The Rockets have been playing teams close this year losing mostly 1 goal games against some good teams and they have a few players who can skate, shoot and seem willing to mix it up a bit. They are alright to watch now, but played in a way that the Riders were never really able to use their new found size to make big hits.
IMO the Riders had a fair edge in play and territory but couldn't always score on the chances they had, plus they tried to pass way too much and missed the net lots wasting good opportunities... All correctable problems.
The Riders also played a decent defensive game with no costly breakaways like they surrendered in their previous games... the coaching is working.
Zak Larson didn't have to be great in net for most of the game but came up huge late in the third when the Rockets generated some great chances that would have tied the game. GR goalie Colton Iwaschuk was their player of the game.
Mitch Titus was the Riders POG with 2 SH goals and a PP goal.
Rookie D Greg Susinski scored his first goal and was the "Hardest worker" Friday... tall long reach and can skate and shoot, a great signing who will be fun to watch develop in the next few months.
Some other firsts, 16 year old Ethan Jang scored his first Jr goal in Nelson, as did 18 year old Jordon Kromm .
Goaltender Brandon Youngson has left the team for personal reasons... don't try and read between the lines here, he was not sent home or cut.
Broc Merkl was in the Riders camp but they already had two experienced goalies so coach Mohr sent him to Kimberley where he played 1 game and made 33 saves giving the Nitro's a 2-1 win in Nelson. Then Cody Campbell came back from a Jr A camp...
It was not on the game sheet but the Riders had 680 fans at their home opener. Sold a few brewskis as well according to the pyramids. No Sahara desert here.
No Rider game today next home games Friday and Saturday vs BV and the Rebels.
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