Rockets fall 6-1 to Vees in physical preseason matchup

Sep 10, 2026 | 10:23 AM

The Kelowna Rockets dropped a 6-1 decision to the Penticton Vees on Wednesday in a physical Western Hockey League preseason matchup.

The game at the South Okanagan Events Centre marked Kelowna’s third preseason contest.

Penticton took a 2-0 lead in the opening period on goals from Giorgos Pantelas and Parker Deraney before Kelowna got on the board at 10:27.

Dawson Gerwing scored his first goal of the preseason on the power play, with Madden Daneault and Dane Sorensen assisting.

The Vees restored their two-goal lead 44 seconds into the second period when Tristan Petersen scored shorthanded. Peter Banicevic added another later in the period to give Penticton a 4-1 lead after 40 minutes.

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Pantelas scored his second of the game early in the third period before Gavin Katz added a power-play goal to complete the scoring.

Linden Sobocan made 31 saves for Kelowna, which was outshot 37-24.

The teams combined for 18 power-play opportunities, with Kelowna going one-for-five and Penticton converting twice on nine chances.

The game also featured a fight between Kelowna’s Owen Folstrom and Penticton’s Nate Pederson, along with multiple roughing penalties and two late misconducts.

The Rockets and Vees will meet again Saturday at Prospera Place in Kelowna to close out the preseason. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

by Vernon Matters Staff

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