The Kelowna Rockets took a 1-0 series lead over the Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday with a 4-3 victory on Brandon’s home ice.
Florida Panthers prospect Jayce Hawryluk finished -3 with no points and two PIM on the night. Though he had a great regular season with the Wheat Kings, he’s just been merely good in the playoffs. In 13 games, he has 10 goals and eight assists, which is respectable enough, but his plus minus has taken a hit, going from +42 in 54 games to +5 in 13. Not bad at all, just not what he’s been doing for most of this year.
Other NHL prospects took part in this game as well, with Edmonton Oilers prospect Leon Draisaitl netting a goal for the victors, and Winnipeg Jets prospect Josh Morrissey adding two assists for Kelowna.
2015 NHL Draft prospect Nick Merkley was held completely off the scoresheet, with zero points, an even rating, and no penalty minutes.
The winner of this series will advance to the Memorial Cup championship against the winner of the OHL, QMJHL, and the host team, the Quebec Remparts. If Quebec wins the QMJHL, the runner up from there, the Rimouski Oceanic will advance in their place.
Game 2 is Saturday, at 7:30.