Rangers Thrash Rockets 5-0 in Memorial Cup Opener
Christian Kirsch stopped 24 shots as Kitchener scored five unanswered goals and handed host Kelowna a shutout loss in the Memorial Cup opener.
- On Friday, the Ontario Hockey League champion Kitchener Rangers defeated the host Kelowna Rockets 5-0 in the Memorial Cup opener at Prospera Place, with goaltender Christian Kirsch recording a shutout.
- The opening period featured physical play and a fight between Rangers defenseman Jared Woolley and Rockets forward Dawson Gerwing, though Rockets head coach Derrick Martin dismissed concerns about his team's five-week break.
- Dylan Edwards opened the scoring early, while Jack Pridham, Sam O'Reilly, and Haeden Ellis added goals in the third period; Rockets goaltender Harrison Boettiger stopped 34 of 39 shots in the loss.
- Rockets forward Peyton Kettles returned for his first game since November 8, 2025, following shoulder surgery, calling the experience "definitely special" after recovering for six months.
- Tournament action continues Saturday as the Western Hockey League champion Everett Silvertips face the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League's Chicoutimi Sagueneels; Kelowna plays Chicoutimi on Sunday, while Kitchener faces Everett on Monday, May 25.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Kelowna Rockets to have ‘goldfish memory’ after 5-0 loss to open Memorial Cup - Creston Valley Advance
The opening night of the 2026 Memorial Cup didn’t provide the Kelowna Rockets the start they hoped for. In front of a sold out crowd at Prospera Place, the energy was electric ahead of the first Memorial Cup game in Kelowna, but as the game went on, the Kitchener Rangers experience from their recent run to the OHL championship was also evident as they cruised to a 5-0 win over the Rockets. The first period was physical between both teams with a …
Jussi Ahokkaan valmentama jääkiekkojoukkue Kitchener Rangers aloitti Kanadan juniorisarjojen välisen Memorial Cup -mestaruusturnauksen murskaavalla tahdilla.
Kelowna Rockets to have ‘goldfish memory’ after 5-0 loss to open Memorial Cup - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
The opening night of the 2026 Memorial Cup didn’t provide the Kelowna Rockets the start they hoped for. In front of a sold out crowd at Prospera Place, the energy was electric ahead of the first Memorial Cup game in Kelowna, but as the game went on, the Kitchener Rangers experience from their recent run to the OHL championship was also evident as they cruised to a 5-0 win over the Rockets. The first period was physical between both teams with a …
Kelowna Rockets to have ‘goldfish memory’ after 5-0 loss to open Memorial Cup - Grand Forks Gazette
The opening night of the 2026 Memorial Cup didn’t provide the Kelowna Rockets the start they hoped for. In front of a sold out crowd at Prospera Place, the energy was electric ahead of the first Memorial Cup game in Kelowna, but as the game went on, the Kitchener Rangers experience from their recent run to the OHL championship was also evident as they cruised to a 5-0 win over the Rockets. The first period was physical between both teams with a …
Kelowna Rockets to have ‘goldfish memory’ after 5-0 loss to open Memorial Cup - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
The opening night of the 2026 Memorial Cup didn’t provide the Kelowna Rockets the start they hoped for. In front of a sold out crowd at Prospera Place, the energy was electric ahead of the first Memorial Cup game in Kelowna, but as the game went on, the Kitchener Rangers experience from their recent run to the OHL championship was also evident as they cruised to a 5-0 win over the Rockets. The first period was physical between both teams with a …
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