By: Dante De Caria
Duncan, BC – Primo Self scored the overtime winner, and the Cowichan Valley Capitals (28-15-5) defeated the Powell River Kings (21-21-3) 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at the Cowichan Community Centre.
Self cut past Levi Glasman, and lifted a shot under the glove of Derek Krall from the mid-slot, giving the Capitals their third overtime victory of the season. The goal gives him four goals and eight points against the Kings this year.
The Kings fall in overtime for the third time this season (second against Cowichan), and finish the weekend 1-1-1, while the Capitals go 3-0 over their three-in-three stretch.
Derek Krall was marvelous in net, making 35 saves on 37 shots, and 16 saves in the third period to help gather a point for the Kings.
“I don’t think we get to overtime without Derek Krall today,” said Powell River Kings assistant coach Brock Sawyer. “He was tracking pucks all day, and he was outstanding, giving us a chance to win. You need good goaltending in this league, and we have two good guys (goalies) who can push each other.”
Ethan Schmunk scored his ninth of the season, and second in as many games to open the scoring for the Kings in the first period. Reilly Moran wrapped the puck around the net, and Schmunk was waiting in the slot, and found the rebound.
That lead only lasted until midway through the second period, as Cowichan’s Will Arquiett roofed home a hard wrist-shot from the left circle on the power-play to tie the game 1-1.
Sawyer said that the Kings competed hard, and earned a point on the road, which ties them with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (45 points) for third in the Island Division.
“Three games in two and a half days isn’t easy, especially when you factor in some travel so give our guys a lot of credit, they hung in there. I thought our jump in the first period was great (outshot the Capitals 15-8 in the first). I thought we did a lot of good things, and in the third period we looked a little tired, but we hung in there and didn’t back down.”
The Powell River Kings begin a six game homestand this Friday with a double-header against the Nanaimo Clippers. The Kings 11-8 at home this season, and are taking on a Clippers team that is coming off a 5-2 win over the Wenatchee Wild on Sunday.
