Houck's Hat-Trick Helps G-Men End Kelowna's Streak

Jackson Houck netted his third career hat-trick as the Vancouver Giants ended Kelowna's 16 game winning streak, defeating the Rockets 4-2 at the Pacific Coliseum on Friday night. Anthony Ast also found the net for Vancouver as the Giants won their third consecutive game.

Houck opened the scoring for the G-Men on the power play early in the first period, shovelling a puck into the net after a goal-mouth scramble. There would be a lengthy review of the play, but it was eventually ruled to be a good goal. Kelowna would answer back to tie the game before the end of the stanza as Ryan Olsen beat Vancouver net minder Jared Rathjen off the rush with a wrist shot from the right wing boards.

The Giants came out flying in the second, and Ast gave Vancouver the lead inside the first minute of the period after a nice give-and-go play with Joel Hamilton. Justin Kirkland evened the score for the Rockets again later in the frame, scoring on the man advantage, but Houck put the Giants ahead 3-2 with his second of the night before completing the hat-trick with a one-timer from in front of the net to put Vancouver ahead by two after 40 minutes.

The Vancouver club played a very solid third period, and despite the fact they were out shot 12-7 in the final 20 minutes, the G-Men limited the Rockets' chances and closed out the victory to end Kelowna's impressive 16 game winning streak.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday evening in Kelowna. Catch the action on TEAM 1410 and teamradio.ca. The Pre-Game Show begins at 6:30pm, followed by the face-off at 7 o'clock.

Game Summary

3 Stars:
1. Jackson Houck - Vancouver
2. Tim Traber - Vancouver
3. Anthony Ast - Vancouver