Matt Garbowsky picked up right where he left off before the Kings departed for their Christmas break.
Just as he did against Victoria on December 18, he scored three goals on Wednesday against the Clippers in a big 6-2 win.
In fact the Kings roared out of the gate, obviously to make a statement against a team that has had the most success of anyone at Hap Parker Arena.
Winners of two this year, Nanaimo suffered the wrath of an offensive wave that saw the first period end 5-1 and a goalie change in the first ten minutes.
Jon Jutzi scored the first one on the powerplay with a blast from the point and then Garbowsky scored a highlight reel goal to get started on his hattrick.
“That was a last minute thing,” he said after the game.
“I tried it a few times in practice and it actually didn't work out,” he chuckled, “so I'm glad it did in the game.”
He used Schuler as a decoy and when he got close, deked to cross the crease but changed direction and stuffed the puck in the short side at 4:57.
His second came from persistance when he banged away at the puck until he lifted a rebound in at 7:41.
It was great to see Cohen Adair healthy again and he hit the scoresheet when he raced down the left wing and slid it in from close range at 8:28.
Clippers got one by Sean Maguire at 8:59 but Garbowsky struck again when he was parked by the side of the net and slammed in a rebound at 9:36.
Clips got the only goal of the second period and that one was weird.
Victor Newell took a shot from the point and it missed the net and bounced off the boards and then the back of Maguire who kicked it around a bit before it trickled over the goal line.
Fans waited awhile until the Kings' Mike Sones finished off the hard work of linemates Kachur and Brendon Hawryluk to make the final 6-2 for the Kings.
“We were pretty fired up to play these guys,” said Garbowsky, “they've beaten us twice in our own barn so we wanted to prove that we could beat them here.”
“A lot of the guys were really pumped up for the game and I think it showed.”
A great effort from the Kings and it was nice to see them return to form so quickly after the Christmas break.
Also good to see the return of Pettitt and Adair to the lineup after lengthy absences.
Next up for the Kings is the Malmo Redhawks with puck drop at 5:30 and of course, the New Years celebration after the game.
There is just a handful of tickets left for the party so hurry into the office now to get yours.
Ron Armitage Mens Wear Three Stars:
1. Matt Garbowsky
2. Jon Jutzi
3. Cohen Adair
