The Kelowna Rockets defeated the Victoria Royals 2-1 in overtime in WHL action Saturday night at the Save-On Foods Memorial Arena, earning a split of two games on Vancouver Island.

Justin Kirkland snapped home his 15th goal of the season at 3:42 of the overtime period to give the Rockets the win while Michael Herringer turned in a first-star performance.

Herringer stopped 36 of 37 shots as Victoria outshot the Rockets 37-31 in the game. Dillon Dube had the other Rockets goal as the two teams each scored in the first period.

The win improves the Rockets record to 30-11-3-0 on the season, first place in the WHL Western Conference, six points ahead of the Royals.

Kelowna now returns to Prospera Place for a five game home-stand that begins on Tuesday night when they host the Prince George Cougars. Kelowna will also play Tri-City, Medicine Hat, Portland and Victoria during the homestand.