The Kings have their first 3-game win streak of 2018, and their fourth of the season through a 5-3 win at home against the West Kelowna Warriors on Saturday night at the Hap Parker Arena.
A solid start for both the Kings and Warriors with a high pace to the game early. West Kelowna got the first powerplay of the game but it was the Kings to cash in by continuing their hot hand shorthanded. Ben Berard poked a puck loose from a Warrior stick and skated in to shoot short side on Cole Demers for Berard’s 25th of the season and a 1-0 lead.
The goal for Berard tied Carter Turnbull atop the Kings goal scoring, however that share of the lead didn’t last long as Turnbull pulled ahead once more, capping off a brilliant play from Mitch Williams inside the Kings zone where he beat three Warriors and teed up Turnbull down the right wing for the 2-0 goal. That lead held up through 20 with the Kings outshooting the Warriors 11-7.
Into the 2nd and the Warriors came out flying, scoring inside the opening minute through Chase Stevenson, then again through Willie Reim six minutes later. With the game tied at 2, the Kings regrouped and came storming back. On their first powerplay of the game, the Kings converted on a pass from the corner by Ben Thomas, out front to Ethan Kimball to one-time past the goaltender for his 13th of the year and a 3-2 lead.
Four minutes later the Kings went to their 2nd powerplay and were successful once more. Carmine Buono this time putting a puck on goal which snuck past the glove of the goaltender for his 7th of the year, the eventual game winner and a 4-2 advantage. Carter Turnbull added to the lead towards the end of the 2nd period with his 27th of the year, capping off a nice push to net with Jonny Evans and Kevin Obssuth involved and it was 5-2.
The score stayed that way through 40 with the Kings outshooting the Warriors 27-26.
The third period was tight checking with chances both ways. West Kelowna made a push late with Michael Ryan closing the gap, however Alex Rolfe shut the door, stopping 40 shots en route to his 3rd win of the season, the Kings 26th and 3rd in a row, a 5-3 score.
Here’s what Brock Sawyer and Alex Rolfe had to say in the post game show:
Three Stars of the Game
1. Carter Turnbull (Kings) – 2 goals
2. Alex Rolfe (Kings) – 40 saves, 3rd win
3. Kevin Obssuth (Kings) – 2 assists
The Kings wrap their 3-in-4 stretch on Monday afternoon for their annual FREE Family Day game, hosting the Bulldogs at 2pm. Pre-game entertainment and tail gate party starts at 12:30 at the Hap Parker Arena.
