The Kamloops Blazers defeated the Kelowna Rockets 9-2 on Friday night at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops in the WHL season opener for both teams.

The Blazers snapped a 1-1 tie early in the second period and scored five straight second period markers to break the game open, a game the Rockets played without six regulars still away at NHL training camps.

Former Blazer Jake Kryski scored in his Rockets debut while second year forward Kole Lind also scored for Kelowna in a losing cause.

The Blazers were 6-for-10 on the power play while the Rockets went 1-for-8 with the man advantage. Shots were 34-31 in favour of the Blazers.

The Rockets were playing without regulars Nick Merkley, Lucas Johansen, Devante Stephens, Dillon Dube, Calvin Thurkauf and Braydyn Chizen, out of the line-up participating in NHL team training camps.

Tomas Soustal (Edmonton) and Gordie Ballhorn (Dallas) did return to the Rockets and played on Friday.

The two teams will meet again Saturday in Kelowna in the Rockets home opener at Prospera Place.

Tickets are available for the game through at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.