Carter Turnbull led the way offensively with a pair of goals, while Jeff Smith and the Kings defence largely silenced the Clippers “big three” en route to a 3-1 win over Nanaimo on Saturday night.
- Let’s start from the net out. Jeff Smith was Jeff Smith tonight. He stopped everything he had a chance on, made a few real good saves but was just so technically sound in his net. He had to deal with a lot of traffic and bodies in front, in the crease and on top of him after whistles. Smith even had to deal with a crossbar clocking him on the side of the helmet, something which he was able to shake off and hold the fort.
- In front of Smith was a collective effort to shut down 3 of the league’s top scorers and one of the best lines in the league in Sheldon Rempal, Devin Brosseau and Matt Hoover. From the word go, the Kings agitated, poked and annoyed the trio and Rempal and Hoover noticably impacted. When the puck was dropped, Nick Nonis and Andy Stevens led the way, putting on a masterclass of clinical defensive hockey…using their sticks and bodies to shut Rempal and co. out. Brosseau gets an assist on a nice play down the left wing and a good pinch from Hookenson, but outside that the line was completely shut out.
- Add into the defence the line of Nick Halagian, Mitchell Hawes and Austin Kamer who at points tormented the trio. Halagian was Halagian, a pest and an agitator. He would have been disappointed taking a boarding call 30 seconds into the game, but he more than made up for it. Seeing him skate up ice directly behind Matt Hoover, chatting the entire way was something that personified the game.
- For Rempal, that’s just the 4th time this season (in 39 games) that he’s not been on the scoresheet. Vernon, Alberni and Victoria all put the kibosh on him at points this season.
- Offensively, what few opportunities there were, the Kings cashed in on. Much like Thursday’s win against Alberni, there weren’t a lot of chances that didn’t end up in the back of the net. The Kings skated well, forced mistakes and generated offence as indicated by both the 1st goal (above) and McCarrick’s insurance in the 3rd period on a mistake from goaltender Evan Johnson and a good save at the blue line from Rylan Ball.
Here’s what Carter Turnbull and special guest Kyle Bodie had to say in the post game show
Three Stars of the Game
- Carter Turnbull (Kings) – 2 goals, game winning goal
- Jeff Smith (Kings) – 36 saves, 18th win
- Nick Nonis (Kings)
The win is massive as it closes the gap at the top of the Island Division for the Nanaimo Clippers to just 7 points, and the Kings have two games in hand. Cowichan won in regulation tonight, meaning they keep pace with the Kings and are just one back of 2nd spot.
Nanaimo and Powell River lock up for the 2nd time this weekend and 5th time this season at 2:00pm on Sunday afternoon. The teams will also meet again Saturday night in Nanaimo.
We’re down to the final few days of the 2015/2016 Powell River Kings Dream Lottery!
Ticket sales are strong, but there are still a few left…and your chance to grab them is running out. Tickets will be available at the Kings office until the end of the 1st intermission during Sunday January 3rd’s game against the Nanaimo Clippers. Ticket booths are also set up at the Town Centre Mall (between Walmart and People’s Jewelers), Canadian Tire and Safeway ahead of Sunday’s game.
Online tickets are still available, you can go to http://www.prkingsdreamlottery.ca to purchase, however ticket sales through the website will be shut down at 10:00pm on Saturday January 2nd. Tickets are $100 each.
The 50/50 Jackpot is surging, and currently sits at over $39,000, with the winner taking half. 50/50 Tickets are available when you purchase a Dream Lottery ticket, and are $20 each.
All information, prize lists, rules and regulations are online at http://www.prkingsdreamlottery.ca. The team will conduct the draw during the 2nd Intermission of Sunday’s game against the Nanaimo. It’ll be broadcast live on the Network, 95.7 CoastFM and FastHockey PPV as well.
