By Chad Klassen

Blazers start new season, new era with dominant win over Kelowna

Sep 21, 2018 | 11:26 PM

KAMLOOPS — It didn’t take Zane Franklin long to make a big first impression in front of the Kamloops Blazers fans. 

The 19 year old, who was picked up in an off-season trade from Lethbridge, scored 4:30 into the game, bringing the Sandman Centre to a frenzy and setting the tone for what would be a complete performance by the Blazers in a 4-1 opening-day win over the Kelowna Rockets.

“It’s crazy. If I could’ve drawn it up perfectly, that’s how it would’ve gone,” said Franklin, who was the game’s first star. “But it was nice to get a win obviously, the first one of the year, 100 per cent as a Blazer. Let’s keep it going tomorrow.”

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Brodi Stuart was the second star of the game with two goals and an assist, while his linemate Orrin Centazzo was flashy as well with three assists in the win. 

“I think we just used  our speed well and we know where each other are. We can make smart plays with each other,” said Stuart on the chemistry between he and Centazzo, combining for six points in the win. “We’ve been together for a while now since camp and I think we’re liking it. We’ve got good chemistry so far.”

The victory was the first WHL win behind the bench for Serge Lajoie, who said the team’s first period in jumping out to a 3-0 lead epitomized the game and the style he wants his team to play. 

“Nice to get that out of the way,” said Lajoie. “I really thought the guys came out ready. We talked about that the entire week in terms of earning your confidence and it comes through preparation and preparing the right way. That first period was indicative of the mindset our guys had.”

The Blazers and Rockets meet again on Saturday night in Kelowna as Kamloops tries to make it two in a row against their Okanagan rivals.