A pair of goals in the first and second weren’t enough as the Kings conceded a season-high seven goals against the Grizzlies in a 7-4 loss in Victoria on Sunday afternoon
A hot start from the Grizzlies as they score on the games 2nd shift with a pass from Jamie Rome to Ethan Nother, who was allowed to walk down on Matteo Paler-Chow and go short side for a 1-0 Victoria lead. The Kings got that back midway through the period as Jonny Evans threw a puck out front for Ben Berard, and while his shot was stopped, Josh Coblenz crashing the net poked home a loose puck in the paint for his 5th and a 1-1 game.
That scoreline didn’t last long as the Grizzlies countered right back via Alex Newhook just 14 seconds later to restore the home team advantage. Right after the Newhook goal, the Kings took a penalty, and then capitalised with Kyle Kawamura being sprung on a breakaway for his 9th of the year and a 2-2 tie. That goal signalled the end of Matteo Paler-Chow, who was making his 5th consecutive start. He was pulled after giving up 2 goals on 5 shots in 8:49. Affiliate goaltender Derek Krall came into the game for his BCHL debut.
That score stood until late in the frame with the Grizzlies taking the lead through Justin Michaelian for a 3-2 score through 40.
Into the 2nd and the Grizzlies offence fired rapidly with three goals in 1:05. Cam Thompson, Lucas Clark and Jamie Rome all scoring to put the game firmly in Victoria control. Second period goals from Gavin Rauser (9th) and Kevin Obssuth (15) got the Kings within 2 but a late 2nd period goal all but snuffed any chance at a comeback with the Kings falling 7-4.
Krall took the loss, stopping 32/37 in 51:11.
The Kings hit the road next weekend as well with the team in Surrey, Coquitlam and West Kelowna beginning Friday night against the Eagles. All games are live on 95.7 CoastFM and HockeyTV.
