The Powell River Kings have started their first Island Division road trip this season on a losing note, falling 3-2 to the Victoria Grizzlies on Friday night from the Q Centre in Victoria.
The Kings came out well and began to build a lead in shots, however had little to show for it. Victoria got on the board twice before the period was out, first through Eddie Yan’s 2nd of the year, then midway through the frame Lach Hadley extended the lead. Shots 18-9 with Powell River controlling a lot of the play but not the scoreboard.
Into the 2nd period and the Grizzlies were able to extend their lead midway through via Alex Newhook for a 3-0 advantage. However just like the season opening game in Powell River against the Grizzlies, the Kings got a late second period goal to get some forward momentum on the scoreboard. Ben Berard cashed in on the powerplay to make the game tight heading into the third period, Berard’s 4th of the year and it was 3-1 Victoria through 40. Shots 34-21 Kings.
The third period saw the Kings push and go to back to back powerplays late in the frame. This came after Berard notched his 2nd of the game to close the gap to 1 as a powerplay expired. The even strength goal coming as Grizzlies forward Eddie Yan stepped onto the ice.
But that was as close as the Kings would get as they fall 3-2 to the Victoria Grizzlies, and fall to 4-2 on the season so far. Final shots saw the Kings outshoot Victoria 43-26.
Three Stars of the Game
- Alex Newhook (Grizzlies) – 1 goal, 1 assist, GWG
- Ben Berard (Kings) – 2 goals
- Kurtis Chapman (Grizzlies) – 41 saves
The Kings wrap their weekend road trip on Saturday night in Nanaimo against the Clippers. Puck drop at 7.
