By: Dante De Caria
Powell River, BC – Jack Brackett scored twice, including the Teddy Bear Toss goal, leading the Powell River Kings (16-14-1) to a 5-1 win over the Surrey Eagles (11-16-5) on Friday night at the Hap Parker Arena.
Brackett scored the first Teddy Bear Toss goal since December 17th, 2017, potting home the puck after a scramble in front of the Surrey net, opening the scoring early in the second. Kings improve to 14-0 when scoring first this season.
“It was pretty good to see all the Teddy Bears come onto the ice,” smiled forward Jack Brackett. “That was really special, and I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
After Gabe Schovanek tied the game 1-1 minutes later on a bad angle shot, Kings forward Rowan Miller came streaking in down the right wing side, and roofed a wrister pasted Eagles goaltender Cal Schell for a 2-1 lead, netting his fifth of the season in his first game back from injury.
“That’s an elite move with some good edge work in stride,” said Kings assistant coach Brock Sawyer. “He’s been working hard to get back in the lineup. To go roof, short-side, that’s a goal scorers goal.”
The Kings would follow that up with three unanswered goals, including a short-handed goal from Brackett, for their 10th win at home this season. Nic Porchetta scored his sixth (all at home) and Nolan Krogfoss scored his second of the season to pad the lead late.
Kings goaltender Derek Krall got his 12th win of the season, stopping 29 of 30 and nine in the third period. Eagles goaltender Cal Schell allowed five goals on 37 shots, losing his fifth straight start.
The Kings have now won seven of their last nine games (7-1-1), and their third straight contest.
“We’ve been playing to our system and we’ve been playing to our strengths,” added Sawyer. “During our seven game losing-streak, we learned a lot about ourselves. As of late, we’ve been playing hard and prepared. Right now you’re seeing a team that is growing together, and providing some wins for us.”
The Powell River Kings are back in action tonight at 6pm against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The Kings will wrap up their three-in-three weekend on Sunday afternoon in Port Alberni.
