The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Kamloops Blazers 2-1 in overtime Monday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, winning their best-of-seven series in seven games over the Blazers.
Tomas Soustal scored at 7:07 of overtime to give the Rockets the win, advancing to the second round of the playoffs to take on Victoria.
The goal ended a tight series between the two rivals and sent the Rockets into Round 2 of the WHL Playoffs.
The Rockets opened the scoring in the first period when Justin Kirkland batted home a rebound after a Tyson Baillie chance to give the Rockets a 1-0 lead after the first.
The Blazers tied the game in the second period on a goal-mouth scramble that forced the referees to huddle before calling it a goal and the team’s were tied 1-1 through the second period and regulation.
The Rockets will now face the Victoria Royals in the second round of the WHL Playoffs with games 1 and 2 in Victoria on Thursday and then Saturday night.