The Powell River Kings took fans on a roller coaster ride on Friday night, conceding the game tying goal with 0.7 seconds on the clock in regulation, only to win in a modified overtime session as Austin Kamer gave the Kings a 5-4 win in Game 1 of the Island Division Semi-Final on Friday night.
A good pace to start the first period with both teams enjoying some extended setups in the offensive zones. Adam Brubacher opened the scoring at 15:01 and it’s 1-0 through the opening period as the Kings outshot the Capitals 16-12.
The Capitals came out better in the second and began to force mistakes from the Kings who became more sloppy in their own zone, routinely needing second and third chances to clear the puck. The Capitals went to their first powerplay of the game, and converted early in with Josh Adkins scoring to tie the game at 1. The tie game was short lived as Adam Brubacher scored his 2nd of the game three minute later through a shot from the right point that deflected past goaltender Storm Phaneuf, propelling the Kings to a 2-1 advantage after 40.
The third period continued in much the same vein as the second, with Powell River turning over pucks and failing to clear out of their own zone. Cowichan took advantage, first on the powerplay again with Adkins’ second of the game, then Corey Hoffman not being picked up off the bench and scoring from the slot for the Capitals first lead of the game.
Liam Lawson scored less than a minute after the Capitals took the lead for a 3-3 game, then the Kings took another one-goal lead through a bullet from Carter Turnbull.
The team would hold the lead until the closing stages of the third period, with the net empty the Kings pressured the open cage, both looking for the insurance goal and killing time off the clock. However on the game’s last rush, Matthew Hudie beat Jeff Smith with 0.7 seconds left for a 4-4 tie.
Despite BCHL rules stating that in playoffs, overtime is to be a full 20 minute period following a full 17 minute intermission (with ice clean), the game officials enforced a two minute break (similar to regular season overtime) and a 10 minute first OT session. These rules apparently mirror Junior B rules throughout BC Hockey, but are not enforced in the BCHL.
Regardless of the change, both teams stayed on their benches and went straight back to work on messy ice following a tense third period. Chances both ways, only to be stymied by puck bounces or active sticks saw the game headed towards a second OT session, however on one of the last chances in the fourth period, Austin Kamer skates end to end for a highlight reel game winner, tucking it in five hole on Storm Phaneuf for a 5-4 victory.
Three Stars of the Game
- Adam Brubacher (Kings) – 2 goals, 1 assist
- Josh Adkins (Capitals) – 2 goals
- Tristan Mullin (Kings) – 1 assist
The Kings lead the best-of-seven series by a score of 1-0. Game 2 is Saturday night, a 7:15pm start at the Hap Parker Arena.
