Kings demonstrated once again on Friday, why they are so important to the city of Powell River.
Aside from their success on the ice, the team contributes to the fabric of Powell River in so many other ways and last night the generosity of their fans was once again, in the spotlight.
From the tailgate party, to the 50/50, to the buckets carried through the large crowd, funds were raised to help out their mascot, Rocco and his family, through some very tough times.
Even the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters were generous in their donation to help raise over 6,000 for the King's volunteer who, through his unselfish contributions, was getting a little bit back from the fans.
After the pre-game ceremonies, Kings got down to the business of hockey and took a 1-0 lead after one period on Ryan Scarfo's goal.
Jarryd Leung and Luke Nogard added the first two goals in the second to take a 3-0 lead before Trail got it's first on a nice two on one passing play at 19:34.
Drew Dorantes made it 4-1 midway through the third and after Aidan Wright's laid a clean, but heavy check on a Trail forward at center ice the mood darkened somewhat.
At his first opportunity, Valik Chichkin took a run at a vulnerable King and just missed the head of Truman Gonzales in the corner by the boards.
"I saw him coming," said Gonzales later, "he and I were going back and forth throughout the game and I knew he was coming full speed to get revenge or whatever you call it so I just took the hit to make a play that turned into a goal for us."
On the subsequent powerplay JJ Coleshaw did score the King's fifth goal and the sixth less than a minute later, by Leung, put the game out of reach at 6-1.
Jeff Smith was solid in goal with 24 saves and Kings were successful in retaining their claim to first place in the BCHL.
After the game, props went out to the other team who continue to struggle early in the year.
"They are a hard working team," said Gonzales, "very hungry right now and probably one of the hardest working teams in this league."
"I give them props for that and you don't find a lot of teams like that who are down 6-1 still giving 110 percent."
He is an admirer of hard work as he' s on a line that is thriving on it.
They set the tone on the opening face off with a lot of energy and early pressure.
"I love playing with those two (Stephen Hiff and Luke Nogard), he said, "it's great chemistry, we know where each other is and we love to get physical."
"That gives us goals," he said.
His line will have to work extra hard in the absence of the six players leaving for the WJAC on Saturday but then, that is what they play for.
Stepping up should not be a problem for them.
Armitage Mens Wear Three Stars:
1. Luke Nogard
2. Jarryd Leung
3. Luke Ripley
