By Tim O'Donovan - Kamloops Blazers

Blazers open the WHL playoffs with a loss

Mar 26, 2016 | 12:14 PM

KELOWNA — The Rockets built up a 3-0 lead and hung on for a 3-2 victory over the Blazers in Game 1 of a WHL Western Conference quarter-final series. 

The game started tentatively with the two teams feeling it out in the games first 10 minutes.

The Rockets came on late in the period and got the game’s first goal on an offensive zone faceoff. Lucas Johansen snuck in from the backend and slid a shot five-hole past goaltenderConnor Ingram for a 1-0 lead. 

There was a late flurry of chances for the Rockets, but Ingram was solid between the pipes as the Rockets took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission. 

The Rockets scored two goals in the second period to build up a 3-0 lead. Dillon Dube showed tremendous patience as he eventually roofed a shot over Ingram 6:20 into the period. 

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Lucas Johansen scored 47 seconds later for a 3-0 lead. He blasted a long shot off a rush that fooled Ingram. 

The Blazers regrouped and got on the scoreboard midway through the period. Matt Revelfound an open Gage Quinney and he snapped a shot past the blocker of Michael Herringer. 

The Rockets led 3-1 heading into the third period. 

The Blazers found their game in the final frame as they generated chances. The best opportunity came off the stick of Matt Revel, but he hit Herringer in the head and the puck stayed out. 

Collin Shirley got a goal with 55 seconds to play with the goaltender pulled to cut the Rockets lead to 3-2. 

Gage Quinney had a great chance to tie it late, but Herringer made a toe save and the Blazers lost 3-2. 

Connor Ingram took the loss with 33 saves, while Michael Herringer earned the win with 19 saves. 

These two teams will meet Saturday night for Game 2. The series will head to Kamloops for games on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.