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Kings Add Bell for 2017/2018 Season

The Powell River Kings would like to announce the commitment of 97-born forward Trent Bell from the Nanaimo Buccaneers in the VIJHL.

The 5’9, 175lb forward from Nanoose Bay enters his first, and final season of Junior A hockey with a wealth of experience. He’s a former North Island Silvertip in the BC Major Midget League, and for the last three seasons he has suited up for the Buccaneers where he scored 129 points in 130 regular season games, along with being named to team’s co-MVP last season.

“I’m really excited and can’t wait to get going,” said Bell. “It’s always a long summer between seasons and I’m excited to do something different this year and I can’t wait to get to Powell River.”

Bell describes himself as a quick, physical forward. In addition to a nice offensive touch, Bell prides himself on battling for loose pucks, playing physical and engaging in an aggressive fore-check.

“Trent is going to bring a lot of grit to our organization” said Kings Head Coach Kent Lewis. “We’ve been watching him for a while and obviously got him involved in a game last season where he gelled really well in a big road game for our hockey club.”

That game was in Nanaimo against the Clippers, a game where the Kings beat the Clippers 8-0. Bell scored late in the 3rd period, and stood out with his physical play.

“He lay a great hit in that game and that’s when you sort of sat up and saw what he can bring,” added Lewis. “He keeps his energy up no matter the score and is going to be a good addition for us this season.”

“Some guys have been teasing me about my goals per game,” Bell said while reflecting on his 1 goal in one game start with the Kings. “I just hope to be able to help out offensively and support the really talented guys that are already there. But if I need to be the guy who is bringing energy and physicality, and by being responsible defensively then I’ll do that too. Whatever it takes really.”

Bell not only brings plenty of playing experience and maturity, he also has a familiarity with the Kings through former teammates on the Island.

“I know Carter (Turnbull) quite well, I played a couple of years with Hunter (Findlater) and I know Curtis McCarrick who just aged out as well,” said Bell. “They’ve all had really good things to say about Powell River, they’ve said it’s a great program, they’ve had a good time and it was an easy decision once you talk to guys who have been here before.”

For the remainder of the summer, Bell is planning to hit the gym almost daily. He’s working out with Turnbull and Ben Berard a few times per week and will look to get back on the ice before training camp in August here in Powell River. All these preparations geared towards making a seamless jump to a higher level of hockey this fall.

“I’m hoping it’ll be an easier transition than coming out of midget because of my experience in Junior so far, but at the same time I know it’s going to be faster and my goal is to use camp and pre-season to transition and make sure I’m ready to go for the regular season,” added Bell.

Bell and the Kings return to Powell River in mid-August ahead of a short training camp and exhibition schedule. Play in the 2017-2018 season is expected to begin in early September, with the schedule to be released in a few weeks time.