Game: Nanaimo Clippers vs Powell River Kings
Arena: Hap Parker Arena
Puck Drop: 7:30pm
Broadcast: Starts at 7:15pm
95.7 SunFM Free Audio
FastHockey PPV Video
Kings This Season vs Opposition: 0-0-0-0
Last Meeting: Clippers won 5-2 (February 23rd, 2013)
Kings 2013/2014 Record: 3-1-0-0
Kings at home: 1-1-0-0
Kings Last 10: 3-1-0-0
Kings vs Island: 1-1-0-0
Opposition 2013/2014 Record: 3-1-0-0
Opposition on the road: 2-0-0-0
Opposition Last 10: 3-1-0-0
The Kings continue a 6-game home stand against the Nanaimo Clippers and Alberni Valley Bulldogs this weekend. It’s another pair of divisional games and another chance for the Kings to really take the early portion of this season by the horns. While the calendar may still read September, the Kings are in a golden opportunity to really get ahead in the division with so many games at home in the first half of the season.
Last weekend really showed two teams. Friday was a team that thought it would be easy, and that may have gotten swept up in the emotion of opening night. Saturday showed the team we saw at the BCHL Showcase, few mistakes, making simple plays and getting rewarded for work around the net. If that team shows up more often than not, the Kings are going to do well this season, and entertain the fans.
I haven’t seen or heard anything from the coaches, but I would imagine the goalies will split again this weekend…both with the same goal but different backstories. Both looking for a win, with Imoo wanting to rebound and Smith wanting to roll on after a win on Saturday night.
The Clippers were one of two undefeated teams coming into the weekend…now there’s none. With the Clippers losing by a goal last night to Victoria, and the Vees falling by the same difference in Prince George, everyone in the league has now had a taste of defeat. The Clippers are always a team that work hard. More-so in recent years that have borrowed a few things from the Kings library and adapted it to the Nanaimo system.
Nanaimo held wins over West Kelowna (6-5), Prince George (3-1) and Alberni (4-2) before last night’s 3-2 loss to the Grizzlies in their home opener. They are a team boating some size and skill, and a returning goaltender. Jayson Argue had an inconsistent year last season, coming off a 2011/2012 campaign where he dominated the MJHL, capturing numerous league awards.
There is also a number of returning players on the roster for Nanaimo, namely Colten Dahlen on the blue line and Brendan Taylor up front. Both come with good experience heading into this campaign. Outside of those two, 1st year Clipper Devin Brosseau had made an excellent start to his BCHL Career, and held a tie for the league lead in points heading into the weekend (along with Kings forward Ryan Scarfo).
Before we get to the broadcast, a big night at the rink. Tim Horton’s will be at the rink kicking off the Smile Cookie campaign a couple of days early. All proceeds go to the Powell River District United Way, so bring a dollar or two or 10 for some cookies for a cause. Remember…the calories don’t count if it’s for charity. Planet Cleve will also be back and outside the Complex serving up burgers, hot dogs and pulled pork before tonight’s game and through the first two intermissions.
On the show tonight, we’ll chat with Kings goaltender Jeff Smith about his first BCHL start and everything that led into it. We’ll also talk to forward Jarid Lukosevicius about his first two BCHL goals on Saturday against Victoria. Also, Joe Mastrodonato will kick off the Kings Dream Lottery and give you all the info on how you could win up to $90,000 in cold hard cash! In the 2nd intermission, we’ll hopefully chat with Clippers play-caller Dan Marshall about this Nanaimo team that the Kings will see 8 times this year.
Derek Bachynski and a player of his choice will join Mike Holt and I in the post-game show to discuss the game and preview Sunday against Alberni.
