It wasn't quite the way the Kings' coaches drew it up but a win is a win and they'll take the two points.
After a great tailgate party put on by the Quality Foods gang the Kings, including very popular Captain Chad Niddery, were introduced to a large crowd at the Hap Parker Arena.
Lots of nervous energy to start this game but at the five minute mark everything came to a halt after what looked to be a serious injury to number 7 for the Bulldogs, Frank Riddle.
All precautions were taken with the player who was cared for by Kings' doctor Steyne Naude and eventually moved over to Powell River Hospital by ambulance.
Kings' Scott Renner was given a major for boarding and from that point on the Kings seemed to be in the crosshairs of the officials.
Thanks to the penalty kill and a couple of timely saves by Michael Garteig the Bulldogs couldn't find the net with any of their chances.
Frank Slubowksi wasn't too shabby at the other end either as he was solid for Alberni until Matt Garbowsky worked the puck out from the corner and wristed a shot that found the top of the net in the second period.
Kings' then got a big save from Garteig when he robbed Morello and Captain Chad Niddery charged to the other end of the ice and turned the game right around with a huge effort in front of the Bulldogs net.
He too came out of the corner with the puck and went right to the net and banged away at it until the puck slipped by Slubowski.
Kings took that 2-0 lead to the break and headed into the third obviously focused on taking fewer penalties and minimizing mistakes.
Mission accomplished and the icing on the cake came when Braden Pears flipped the puck at the open net and the result was his first BCHL goal.
Make the final 3-0 and as Jason Yee says, “it's a nice start to the season.”
“It just feels like a step in what is going to be a long journey,” explained the veteran defenseman.
“That's how it felt to me being a three year guy.”
It felt that way to the coaches too and although it was a win, they see the work ahead of them.
“A few too many penalties in the first period,” said Chad van Diemen, “but the penalty kill stepped up and did a great job.”
“You want to be the team that's drawing the powerplays and be working on the powerplay, not the penalty kill.”
“It wasn't an ideal start but that's the way it is,” he said, “and we'll take the win.”
Kings try to make it two in a row tomorrow night when they host the Nanaimo Clippers at 7:30 P.M. Come on out and join the salute to Kings' alumni and watch a great game.
Ron Armitage Mens Wear Three Stars
1. Matt Garbowsky
2. Michael Garteig
3. Frank Slubowski
