Game: Coquitlam Express vs Powell River Kings
Arena: Hap Parker Arena
Puck Drop: 7:30pm
Broadcast: Starts at 7:00pm
95.7 SunFM Free Audio
FastHockey PPV Video
Kings This Season vs Opposition: 1-0-0-0
Last Meeting: Kings won 8-3 (December 20th, 2013)
Kings 2013/2014 Record: 32-11-2-3 (1st Island)
Kings at home: 19-4-1-0
Kings Last 10: 7-2-0-1
Kings vs Mainland: 7-1-0-1
Opposition 2013/2014 Record: 23-22-2-3 (3rd Mainland)
Opposition on the road: 11-11-1-1
Opposition Last 10: 5-4-1-0
The Kings are starting a busy stretch, a real busy stretch. Six games in nine days start off tonight as the Kings host the Coquitlam Express. It’s a stretch that the team will treat a lot like playoffs with several travel/game days rolled into one and in a similar cluster to what the Kings will see come the first full week of March.
The week has been good to the Kings on and off the ice. Off the ice, Luke Nogard was named an honourable mention to the BCHL’s Player of the Week Award, while Kurt Keats is the BCHL’s Player of the Month, and will be the league’s nomination for the 3-stars award handed out by the Canadian Junior Hockey League. It’s recognition for two players who have consistently contributed to the team’s success during the January calendar month.
On the ice, the Kings will see the return of Stephen Hiff to the lineup, who has missed the last 8 with injury. With Ryan Scarfo and Luke Ripley both returning last weekend, it leaves just 1 on the sidelines in Matt Scarth. For what seems like the first time in forever, the Kings could face the prospect of having to make a healthy scratch and will dress 21 in warmup. While the lineup isn’t set, the goaltending is…Jeff Smith will go tonight against Coquitlam. He made 19 saves in the December victory over the Express.
The Express aren’t playing for a playoff spot…they have it. They are still fighting somewhat for home-ice advantage, however anything but a win-out for Coquitlam will likely see them finish 3rd or 4th. They’re 10 back of the Spruce Kings for 2nd in the Mainland Division, but Prince George have 2 more games to play than Coquitlam. For the Express, it’s able gaining some measure of consistency heading into a battle, likely against the Spruce Kings in the first round. It’ll be a series where travel will no doubt factor in, so the timing of this road trip, for them is probably ideal.
Coquitlam are an offensive powerhouse. They lead the BCHL in goals scored (192), goals per game (3.84) and have 4 players in the league’s top 20 scorers (Rockwood, Rosenthal, C. Pieper and B. Pieper). You can argue they sit 3rd in the Mainland Division not because of their offence, but because of their defence. The 4.04 goals per game the Express give up is 4th worst, behind only the eliminated Chilliwack Chiefs and Trail Smoke Eaters, and just slightly ahead of 4th place Surrey. On paper, Coquitlam’s defence features experience in Zach Hodder and Marc Biega, and their goaltending is led by 20-year-old Gordie Defiel who has some higher, but not awful numbers.
For the Express tonight, they’ll be without newcomer JD Cotroneo, along with forward Cody Boyd. The team features former Powell River Kings AP Daniell Lange as well.
In our pre-game show, we’ll chat with the coaches from both benches, get to your keys to the game, the tale of the tape and stat pack. In the 1st intermission, Luke Nogard about his OT winner on Saturday against Cowichan and the BCHL Player of the Week nod. We’ll also catch up with returning Kings forward Stephen Hiff and rookie Luke McCaw about the stretch drive.
In the 2nd intermission, Drew Dorantes is a guest on this week’s episode of the “BCHL This Week” on Team 1410. We’ll air his segment as Drew and I chat about his 2nd year with the club, the differences from last year, his breakout season stats wise and a commitment to Ferris State.
In the post-game show, Derek Bachynski will join us after 60 to talk about the 2-game road trip to Vancouver Island tomorrow.
At the rink tonight, a big party! Coast Realty is putting on a tail-gate party, there’s music courtesy of the Powell River Idol contestants, and there’s food too! The United Way is also putting on a balloon pop event, which is always a lot of fun! More info is below, get to the rink early for dinner, a show and a game.
