WHL Roundup: Rockets edge Americans, advance to second round with series sweep

KENNEWICK, Wash. - Goaltender Eric Comrie could only do so much on Wednesday to keep his club's Western Hockey League season alive.

Gage Quinney beat Comrie at 18:32 of overtime with Kelowna's 71st shot on net as the Rockets came from behind to beat the Tri-City Americans 5-4 and sweep their first-round matchup.

Madison Bowey and Rourke Chartier each had a pair of goals in regulation for Kelowna, which trailed 4-1 late in the second period before making a comeback.

Dylan Coghlan and Tyler Sandhu had a goal and two helpers apiece for the Americans while Beau McCue and Richard Nejezchleb rounded out the attack.

Michael Herringer stopped all 11 shots he faced in 40:35 of relief to pick up the win for the Rockets. Jackson Whistle started in net but was yanked after allowing four goals on 19 shots.

Comrie finished with 66 saves.

Kelowna went 1 for 7 on the power play while Tri-City failed to score on five chances with the man advantage.

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PATS 4 BRONCOS 0

SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. —Adam Brooks had a pair of goals and Daniel Wapple made 24 saves as Regina swept its first-round series against the Broncos.

Patrick D'Amico had a goal and an assist for the Pats, who outscored Swift Current 16-8 in the best-of-seven matchup, while Connor Hobbs added the other.

Landon Bow turned away 37-of-41 shots for the Broncos, who had seven different goal scorers in the four games.

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REBELS 2 TIGERS 1

RED DEER, Alta. — Rylan Toth made 34 saves as the Rebels got themselves back into their first-round series with Medicine Hat with a Game 3 victory.

Scott Feser and Wyatt Johnson supplied the offence for Red Deer, which trails the series 2-1.

Cole Sanford scored for the Tigers, who got a 29-save outing from Marek Langhamer.

The Rebels host Game 4 on Thursday.

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HITMEN 7 ICE 2

CRANBROOK, B.C. — Connor Rankin scored three times and Adam Tambellini had a goal and three assists as Calgary took Game 4 to push Kootenay a game away from elimination.

Kenton Helgesen, Chase Lang, and Travis Sanheim also scored for the Hitmen, who lead the first-round series 3-1, as Brendan Burke made 28 saves for the win.

Tyler King and Jaedon Descheneau struck for the Ice. Wyatt Hoflin stopped 33-of-39 shots in defeat.

Game 5 goes Friday in Calgary.

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WHEAT KINGS 3 OIL KINGS 2 (2OT)

EDMONTON — John Quenneville scored at 8:58 of the second overtime and Jordan Papirny made 42 saves as Brandon eliminated the Oil Kings from its first-round matchup in five games.

Eric Roy and Tim McGauley scored in regulation time for the Wheat Kings, who outscored Edmonton 21-8 in the series.

Ben Carroll scored once for the Oil Kings and set up Brett Pollock for another goal. Tristan Jarry turned aside 24-of-27 shots in a losing cause.

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COUGARS 4 ROYALS 2

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Sam Ruopp and Jari Erricson had a goal and an assist apiece as the Cougars doubled up Victoria in Game 3 of their first-round matchup.

Brad Morrison and Chase Witala also scored for Prince George while Ty Edmonds made 22 saves for the win.

Tyler Soy and Logan Fisher supplied the goals for the Royals, who lead the series 2-1. Coleman Vollrath turned away 38-of-42 shots in a losing effort.

Game 4 goes Thurday in Prince George.

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SILVERTIPS 2 CHIEFS 1 (2OT)

SPOKANE, Wash. — Jake Mykitiuk scored 2:07 into the second overtime as Everett beat the Chiefs to take a 2-1 first-round series lead.

Brayden Low also scored for the Silvertips while Carter Hart stopped 45 shots to earn the victory.

Adam Helewka found the back of the net for Spokane. Garret Hughson kicked out 36-of-38 shots in defeat.

Spokane hosts Game 4 on Friday.

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