# WHL preseason hockey games

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/whl-preseason-hockey-games
> Updated: 2026-09-05T10:17:23.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The Kamloops Blazers began their 2026-27 preseason with a 2-1 victory over the Kelowna Rockets. Brady Ondrus scored for the Blazers late in the first period, and an empty-net goal secured the win after Drew McDevitt scored for the Rockets late in the third period. Rockets goaltender Logan German recorded 36 saves on 37 shots during the game.

In the second preseason matchup, the Kelowna Rockets defeated the Kamloops Blazers 3-2 in a shootout to tie their two-game series. Following a 2-2 tie through regulation and overtime, the Rockets won via successful penalty shots from Drew Larioza and Cole Braunshausen. Kelowna’s Dane Sorenson and Ryan Oothoudt provided the goals during regulation, while goaltender Josh Banini made 32 saves on 34 shots.

The contest also served as a trial for a proposed Western Hockey League (WHL) overtime system termed “no return three-on-three,” where teams must remain in the offensive zone during play. Rockets head coach Derrick Martin supported the change, stating it could result in “more odd-man rushes and faster gameplay.”

## Claims

- The Kamloops Blazers defeated the Kelowna Rockets 2-1 in their first preseason game of the 2026-27 season. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Kelowna Rockets goaltender Logan German made 36 saves on 37 shots. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Brady Ondrus scored for the Blazers late in the first period with 11 seconds remaining. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Drew McDevitt scored for the Rockets with 37 seconds left in the game. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Kelowna Rockets defeat Kamloops Blazers in preseason shootout

The Kelowna Rockets beat the Kamloops Blazers 3-2 in a preseason shootout, tying their series 1-1. The game featured a test of a new WHL three-on-three overtime system.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kamloops-blazers-defeat-kelowna-rockets-2-1-in-preseason-opener

### 2026-09-03: Penticton Vees lose preseason opener to Kamloops Blazers

The Penticton Vees lost their 2026-27 preseason opener 4-3 in a shootout against the Kamloops Blazers as captain Callum Stone sets sights on a deep WHL playoff run.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/penticton-vees-lose-preseason-opener-to-kamloops-blazers

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Cite as: WHL preseason hockey games. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/whl-preseason-hockey-games