A third-period comeback attempt by the Prince George Cougars fell just short of completion in a Tuesday night road game against the Kelowna Rockets.
In the Western Hockey League clash, the Cougars outscored their hosts 3-0 in the final 20 minutes but still fell 6-5.
The Rockets led 4-2 after the first period and 6-2 after the second.
In the third period, the Cougars got goals from Ryan Schoettler, Rhett Rhinehart and Jared Bethune (shorthanded). Other marksmen for the Cats were Jackson Leppard and Vladislav Mikhalchuk.
Dillon Dube paced the Rockets with two goals and one assist, while Carsen Twarynski scored twice. Erik Gardiner and Connor Bruggen-Cate also scored for the home team.
Each team finished with 37 shots. The Cougars went 1-for-2 with the man advantage and held the Rockets to one goal in six power-play chances.
Tavin Grant started the game in goal for the Cats and was replaced by Taylor Gauthier after the third Rockets goal, which came at 5:35 of the first period. Gauthier played 35:39 and gave way to Grant early in the third period. Gauthier was saddled with the loss.
Brodan Salmond picked up the win.
