The Okanagan Rockets scored twice in the opening 20 minutes and added two more in the third period to defeat the hometown Cariboo Cougars in first game of the BC Elite Hockey League U18 best-of-three championship series at Kin 1.
Hayden Laing, Will Fuhrmann, Hudson Getzlaf (with the gamewinner on a power play, 3:35 into the third period) and Jake Torres were the Rockets goalscorers.
Jaxon Larmand and Brett Peebles scored for the Cougars, who face elimination in Game 2 Saturday (4:45 p.m. start) at Kin 1.
The Cougars were outshot 32-19.
Finn McKiernan notched the win in goal for Okanagan, while Jaxson Dikur took the loss.
If the Cougars win Game 2, they will force a Game 3 Sunday at 10:45 a.m.
Meanwhile, at the U18 triple-A female championship in Coquitlam, the Greater Vancouver Comets drew first blood in that best-of-three series on Friday, defeating the Northern Capitals of Prince George 1-0.
Rowan Brooke Hu scored the only goal 13:33 into the third period and Alexandra Johnston posted a 20-shot shutout.
The Comets put 34 shots on Payton Planetta and the Caps goalie came up with 33 saves.
Game 2 of that series is scheduled for a 5:45 p.m. start Saturday in Coquitlam. If Game 3 is needed that would be played Sunday at 1 p.m.
