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Thank You Derek Krall

By: Dante De Caria | Photo: Chloe Garvey 

This week we will congratulate all of the graduating Kings players, and thank them for their contributions to the organization. Today, we will thank Kings goaltender and co-MVP – Derek Krall. 

Powell River, BC – The Powell River Kings organization would like to congratulate Kings goaltender Derek Krall on a great junior hockey career (both BCHL & VIJHL) and thank him for all his hard work to the club.

Krall, 21, finished up his third and final year of junior hockey. He began his career playing for his hometown Nanaimo Buccaneers of the VIJHL, winning the goaltender of the year in 2017-18. He then went onto play the next two seasons in the BCHL, splitting time with the Penticton Vees and the Powell River Kings.

The Nanaimo, BC, native rejoined the Kings in October, after he was acquired from the Vees to complete an earlier trade. He previously played seven games with the Kings (playoffs and regular season) as an affiliate in the 2017-18 season, but parted ways for the 2018-19 season to join the Vees, where he earned their 2018-19 Most Improved Player.

The familiarity with Kings Assistant Coach Brock Sawyer, and the organization was key in re-acquiring Krall, as they knew what to expect from the veteran netminder.

“He went to Penticton, and had a great mentor in Jack LaFontaine, and they did a great job with him, but when we needed a guy, we were fortunate to get him back,” said Sawyer. “It paid dividends for us, and he shut the door, and was there for us every day. He was so excited to get here, and he solidified things in the crease for us, and gave us a chance to win every game.”

Krall went onto play 30 games with the Kings in the regular season, going 17-7-5, with a 2.65 GAA, .917 SV% and three shutouts. He also won the BCHL Player of the Week, and an Honourable Mention for the BCHL December Player of the Month.

“Couldn’t be happier to have him back, and for him to end his career in a Kings jersey with his buddy Jack Long,” added Sawyer. “Hopefully he can solidify something to continue playing hockey in the future.”

This post-season, Krall gave the Kings a chance to win in the final three games of the series. After giving up 11-goals in the first two games of the series, Krall settled in nicely in games 3, 4 and 5 posting 1.20 GAA and .961 SV% with one shutout in the final three games of the series.

The Powell River Kings organization would like to thank Derek for his contributions to the club, and wish him nothing but the best going forward.