The Powell River Kings have dropped their first game this season when leading after 40, following a third period collapse in Nanaimo against the Clippers on Sunday afternoon.
A physical start to the game as Marcus Mitchell delivered a huge hit to Neal Samanski on the opening shift, signalling Nanaimo intentions early. The hit forced Samanski from the game and he did not return. Midway through the period, more hitting from Nanaimo and this time a dangerous check on the boards from Josh Bourne on Ben Wozney, a hit that took him down to the ice for an extended period with a cut on his head. Bourne ejected and the Kings to a 5-minute powerplay.
Late in the major advantage, the Kings got the 1-0 goal as Levi Glasman buried a puck from the front of the net for his 3rd powerplay goal of the weekend. Nanaimo tied the game late on a laser shot from Gunnar Wegleitner and it was 1-1 through 20.
Into the 2nd and the Kings began to take control. Outshooting Nanaimo 16-7 and getting out to a 3-1 lead. First, midway through the period and on the Kings 2nd powerplay of the game, Levi Glasman cashed in for his 4th goal as a King and 7th of the season for a 2-1 lead. Then late in the period, Powell River-born affiliate Nic Porchetta drove the net and got an awkward shot away from the slot on a centering feed, the buried his own rebound for his first BCHL goal and a 3-1 Kings lead through 40.
The 3rd period however belonged to Nanaimo as the Kings ran out of bodies and energy. Four unanswered Nanaimo goals, including the game winner on a play that the Kings felt involved a glove puck carry and the Clippers ran away 5-3 winners. It marked the first time that the Kings had lost a game when leading after 2 periods (now 10-1) and when leading by 2 goals at any point (now 11-1). Mitch Adamyk took the loss in goal, stopping 29.
The Kings now return home for seven straight games, beginning Friday night hosting the Prince George Spruce Kings.
Photos courtesy: Garrett James
