By: Dante De Caria
Powell River, BC – The Cowichan Valley Capitals (20-11-3) completed a two goal deficit comeback, defeating the Powell River Kings (16-14-2) 5-4 in overtime on Saturday night at the Cowichan Community Centre.
Will Arquiett scored the winner just 1:48 into overtime. Primo Self setup Arquiett at the left circle, and he drove to the net, and beat goaltender Thomas Wardle with a backhander for the Capitals second straight victory.
Nolan Barrett squeezed a backhander threw the legs of Wardle to tie the game 4-4 early in the third period.
The Kings three game winning-streak comes to an end, but with an overtime loss, they get a point, meaning the club has recorded at least a point in nine of their last 10 games (7-1-2).
After the Capitals led 2-0 after one, the Kings scored four unanswered goals in the second for the lead. Reilly Moran put the Kings on the board with his 12th of the season 46 seconds into frame. Michael Abgrall tied it, Jacob Badal scored the go-ahead marker, and Brett Roloson added insurance. The Kings had a 4-2 lead late in the second period, and were on top 4-3 after two.
“We showed some great resiliency in battling back, and cashing in on our opportunities in the second period,” said Kings assistant coach Brock Sawyer. “I’m proud of our effort, and getting a point on the road against an older team who has been pretty consistent all year.”
Capitals goaltender Zach Borgiel left the game six minutes into the third period, giving Ben Howard the win, making five saves in just over 15 minutes of playing time. Kings goaltender Thomas Warlde got the loss, allowing five goals on 37 shots, snapping his two game winning-streak.
Abgrall scored his first goal in 21 games, while also adding two assists, extending his point-streak to six games (1G/8A).
“I didn’t even know he was in that big of a goal drought,” said Sawyer on Abgrall getting the monkey off his back. “As a coach, I don’t really focus on that, I focus on how they play away from the puck. He’s 16, and he handles the puck well and makes some unbelievable plays.”
Roloson and Moran added a goal and an assist, while Jack Brackett tallied two assists, joining Abgrall’s multi-point effort.
The Powell River Kings are back in action on Sunday, December 8th at 2:00 p.m., against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. The Kings are back at home for the final time before Christmas on Friday, December 13th versus the Merritt Centennials.
