WHL: Rockets edge Americans

The Canadian Press

1/15/2009 1:32:21 AM

Mikael Backlund recorded a point in his first Western Hockey League game as he helped the Kelowna Rockets rally to defeat the Tri-City Americans 3-2 on Wednesday night.

The Swedish forward earned an assist on Jamie Benn's 25th goal of the season midway through the third period, as the Rockets stormed back from a two-goal deficit with three unanswered goals in the final frame.

Backlund was assigned to Kelowna by the Calgary Flames on Sunday.

In other WHL action, Lethbridge beat Prince Albert 4-3 in a shootout and Spokane downed Portland 4-2.

At Kelowna, B.C., Cody Almond, with two goals, also scored for Kelowna (26-17-0-0).

Petr Stoklasa scored twice for Tri-City (30-12-0-2), which led 2-0 after 10 minutes and outshot Kelowna 17-3 in the first period. The Americans, however, were outshot 11-5 in the third.

Chet Pickard made 21 saves for the Americans, while Mark Guggenberger, in his first start for Kelowna, stopped 26 shots for the Rockets.

Hurricanes 4 Raiders 3 (SO)

At Prince Albert, Sask., Kyle Beach tied the game with four seconds left in regulation, then scored in a shootout as Lethbridge earned a win over the Raiders.

Brent Henke and Cam Braes also scored for Lethbridge (22-21-1-2), who scored three goals in the third period to force overtime.

Dustin Cameron, Justin Bernhardt and Ryan McDonald replied for Prince Albert (22-23-2-1).

Chiefs 4 Winter Hawks 2

At Spokane, Wash., Dustin Donaghy had a pair of assists as the Chiefs beat Portland.

Ryan Lettis, Brady Calla, Steve Kuhn and Tyler Johnson scored for Spokane (25-14-0-3).

Chris Francis and Radim Valchar replied for Portland (12-28-1-2).