The Powell River Kings dropped their first exhibition game of the 2018/19 season by a 6-2 score in Alberni against the Bulldogs.
A good start from the Kings who scored on the opening shifts, with Nic Porchetta creating and finishing a chance around the net for his first goal at the BCHL level and a 1-0 Kings lead that carried through 20. Shots 10-9 Bulldogs. A good chunk of the Kings shots came through a long 5-on-3 in the period that the team was unable to capitalize on, despite getting a few good looks. For Alberni, a pair of pucks ringing iron had them in the game with Mitch Adamyk tested in the period.
Into the 2nd and a more veteran, and game tested Bulldog lineup began to assert themselves through three unanswered goals. First, early into the frame Michael Sacco tips home a Keaton Mastrodonato shot to tie the game.
Midway through the frame, the Kings change netminders with Mitch Adamyk coming out after 18/19 during 30:09. In came Mattias Smith who was called into action nearly immediately. The Bulldogs scored two unanswered in the frame with Mastrodonato scoring one of his own, then Aaron Bohlinger beating Smith for a 3-1 Alberni lead that stuck through 40.
The third period saw the Kings come out better, but Alberni got the break on the scoreboard. Michael Sacco scoring his 2nd of the game for a 4-1 lead. The Kings would claw it back through Mitch Williams midway through the period, however a pair of late goals saw the Bulldogs run away with a 6-2 win.
Next action for the Kings is on Saturday night in Duncan against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. 7:00pm from the Island Savings Centre.
