If you love your Kings as much as any good fan should, you’ll be at the Hap tonight for the last game at the Hap Parker arena until October 28th. Yes that’s right…3 weeks without Kings hockey here in Powell River. The Kings have the next 7-games on the road after tonight’s opening leg of a 3-games-in-3-nights triple header. Here’s the rundown:
What’s what for the Kings?
The Kings are at 100% heading into the most difficult portion of their schedule thus far. Matt Scarth and Evan Richardson returned from suspension last Sunday, and there are no injuries heading into tonight’s contest. That’s good news, as 3-games in 3-nights is going to test the Kings determination and stamina against three very tough opponents. It is expected that Jamie Phillips will get the start tonight against the Bulldogs, although as we found out last week, last minute changes can occur. His last start was a 5-0 shutout of the Langley Rivermen, so expect him to be keeping the donut alive.
Tonight will be all about ending this home stand on a high. Leaving your fans with a loss to mull over for 3 weeks will not be the impression the Kings want to leave, so expect to see a focused and determined Kings side tonight.
What’s what for the Bulldogs?
The Bulldogs learned yesterday that goaltender Adam Todd has been recalled by the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades and will not be available for tonight’s game. The team has called up Adam Harris for Todd, who was serving as backup to Max Fenkell. Todd played just one game for the Bulldogs, against the Cowichan Valley Capitals where he allowed 2 goals en route to victory.
Justin Morello and Dylan Nowakowski lead the team in scoring, 10 points a piece, and will be looked at as the biggest threats offensively tonight. Lars Hepso also has the scoring touch, netting 4 goals in 5 games for the Dogs thus far. On the back end, scoring has come from Brandon Halls and Chase Van Allen, and Marley Keca is a name that’s been muttered around here in preparation for tonight’s game.
What’s on the Broadcast?
During the 1st intermission, some real star power! Nabil Karim from CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada will join us to tee up the NHL season, giving his thoughts on the 7 (yes 7!) Canadian teams, and his predictions for the Stanley Cup Finals! In the 2nd break, Jason McKee will join us to continue our series on RBC Contenders. He is the Head Coach and GM of the AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints. Of course we’ll have another trivia question worth a couple of tickets to a future Kings game, and the 3-stars of the game. Plus, perhaps best of all, Geoff Grimwood returns to the post-game show!
Join Andy and myself for all the action beginning with the pre-game show at 7:15 live on 95.7 SunFM. If you’re out of the Powell River region, you can listen online at http://www.957sunfm.ca or through the BCHL’s PPV Video service!
See you at the Hap!
