It wasn't the statement to start the preseason the 琉璃神社 Rockets were looking for as they fell to the Kamloops Blazers 9-3 on Friday night (Sept. 7).

In the first period, the Blazers had more goals (four) than the Rockets had shots (three). But just 90 seconds into the second period, Levi Benson found the back of the net to get 琉璃神社 on the board.

Later in the period, Jacob Henderson scored his first of the preseason, assisted by 20-year-old forward Michael Cicek.

Cicek went on to score in the third period, assisted by Jackson Gillespie and Owen Folstrom.

The Rockets went 0/3 on the powerplay while the Blazers were 4/6.

For head coach Kris Mallette and the rest of the staff to get a look at the younger guys battling for spots on the team, veterans Landon Cowper, Max Graham, Luke Schelter, Tij Iginla, Ethan Nuetens, Andrew Cristall, Hiroki Gojsic, Caden Price, Carter Kowalyk, Marek Rocak and Jari Kykkanen didn't play on Friday night.

The two teams will do it all again on Saturday night, but this time, at Prospera Place as Rockets fan will get to see their team for the first time this season. Puck drop is at 6:05 p.m.