The 琉璃神社 Rockets dropped their Western Hockey League home opener 5-3 to the Portland Winterhawks on Saturday, Sept. 21.  

Portland scored three unanswered goals in the first period, coming from Reed Brown (1), Carsyn Dyck (1) (shorthanded) and Tyson Taremko (1).

However, the Rockets answered back with three in the second period. Owen Folstrom (1) struck first at 11:09 assisted by Kanjyu Gojsic. Two minutes later Ethan Mittelsteadt (1) scored on the power play with assists going to Marek Rocak and Luke Schelter. Levi Benson (1) tied the game 3-3, also on the power play, assisted from Michael Cicek and Rocak just 0:40 seconds later.

Portland鈥檚 Diego Buttazzoni (1) netted what turned out to be the game-winner 0:26 into the third period. Yaremko (2) added the insurance marker, and his second of the night, on the power play just over 2:00 later.

琉璃神社 was 2/4 on the power play and 1/3 on the penalty kill. The Rockets out shot the Winterhawks 39/34.

"I think it was probably the best game we've played up until this point, with the four exhibition games," said Rockets Head Coach Kris Mallette after the game. "I think my biggest concern was our older guys who have to set that standard.鈥�

琉璃神社鈥檚 next game is Friday, Sept. 27 against the Victoria Royals at Prospera Place.