On a night where the Blazers only dressed seven veterans, the young roster delivered with a 4-2 win over the Kelowna Rockets to begin the pre-season at the Sandman Centre.

The Blazers got up early on back-to-back goals from 16-year-old hopeful Hudson Closson followed by a powerplay goal from Shea Van Olm.

“It was awesome, the boys were cheering me on. It was nice to get a goal and the win,” said an excited Closson postgame.

The Rockets, who dressed 12 returnees from last year’s team, rallied back to tie it 2-2 midway through the third period.

After some heavy pressure, 17 year-old Ashton Tait banged home a rebound in front to put the Blazers up for good. Van Olm added his second of the night into an empty net.

“I thought the young guys played great tonight.  We as veterans need to show them the way and I think it was a good team win,” said the veteran Van Olm.

The Blazers outshot the Rockets 39-21.  Kelowna goaltender Jari Kykkanen played well making 37 saves.  Blazer goaltenders Dylan Ernst and newcomer Logan Edmonstone split the game – each giving up one goal.

Blazers Head Coach and GM Shaun Clouston liked his team’s effort.

“It was a fun game, there was a lot of new names out there. The energy was great. It was a physical game as it went on,” he said. “Two big goals by young players was huge.”

The Blazers travel to Kelowna tomorrow night to complete the weekend home-and-home exhibition set.

Newcomer Hudson Closson with a big game! One goal, and an assist!
Shaun Clouston’s reaction in the 4-2 win! 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/oqkuwEQPm1

— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) September 9, 2023