Stars prospect Jamie Benn scored one goal and assisted on two others as the Kelowna Rockets opened the Memorial Cup with a 4-1 win over Rimouski Oceanic Friday night.
"We knew what we had to do there and we came out and executed pretty good," Benn told 1150 AM Kelowna. "You never want to get behind the gun. Having a win under your belt in game one is way better than losing. So we can just keep on rolling here and see what happens."
Benn made it a 2-0 game in the second period with a power play goal when he knocked home the rebound of a Myers shot from the point.
He also assisted on Kelowna's fourth goal, which came in the third period. Benn made a slick move to beat a Rimouski defender to get off a backhand shot, which was denied. But teammate Lucas Bloodoff scored seconds later to make it a 4-0 game.
Later in the period Benn was denied on another great scoring chance. He ended the night with five shots on goal and a plus-two rating. He was named the No. 1 star of the game.
This kid never ceases to amaze. Every game he steps up and does what is needed to propel his team to victory. Not only is he a skilled goal scorer and playmaker, but he is also a top notch leader. He will not hesitate to come to the aid of a teammate and is known for his physical side as well as his offensive prowess.
Kelowna's next game is Monday night.