WHL Roundup: Merkley’s big game fuels Rockets

WHL;-Kelowna-Rockets

Nick Merkley, left, celebrates a goal with Kelowna Rockets teammate Devante Stephens. (Jacques Boissinot/CP)

KELOWNA, B.C. — Nick Merkley scored two goals and set up two more to power the Rockets past Prince George.

Justin Kirkland found the back of the net twice and added one assist for Kelowna (31-11-3) and Dillon Dube had a goal and two helpers. Lucas Johansen and Cal Foote also scored while Rourke Chartier chipped in with three assists.

Brad Morrison had two goals for the Cougars (27-17-2), Tate Olson chipped in with a goal and two helpers and Colby McAuley had a goal and an assist.

OIL KINGS 3 WARRIORS 1

EDMONTON – Brett Pollock had a goal and an assist and Payton Lee made 32 saves as the Edmonton Oil Kings beat the Moose Jaw Warriors 3-1 on Tuesday in Western Hockey League action.

Tyson Gruninger and Dario Meyer, on a power play, also scored for Edmonton (18-22-7).

Patrick Maier spoiled Lee’s shutout bid with his goal for the Warriors (23-16-6) 12:37 into the third period.

Brody Willms stopped 34 shots in the losing effort.

The Oil Kings were 1 for 3 on the power play while Moose Jaw failed to score on two chances with the man advantage.

AMERICANS 5 GIANTS 1

KENNEWICK, Wash. — Evan Sarthou stopped 31 shots and Beau McCue and Tyler Sandhu had a goal and an assist apiece as the Americans topped Vancouver for their third consecutive victory.

Vladislav Lukin, Austyn Playfair and Parker Bowles scored the other goals for Tri-City (20-23-2).

Dakota Odgers had the lone goal for the Giants (17-25-5), who have lost four straight.

THUNDERBIRDS 4 BLADES 0

KENT, Wash. — Bow Landon stopped all 17 shots he faced and Mathew Barzal scored a goal and added two assists to lead the Thunderbirds over Saskatoon.

Bryan Allbee, Donovan Neuls and Keegan Kolesar also scored for Seattle (24-16-3). Defenceman Turner Ottenbreit received a game misconduct and a fighting major 18:03 into the second period.

Evan Smith stopped 40 shots for the Blades (17-25-4).

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