The Kings looked like the simply overmatched Quesnel with their speed and skill. Kirby Haclrow, was relieved from goal to start the third period. Furthermore, it was that contest where Andrew Pettitt recorded a hat-trick.
Lets delve into this matchup
Record: 4-8-1-0
Home Record: 3-5-0-0
Last 5 games: 1-4-0-0
Forwards:
Goals have been hard to come by for the Millionaires this season. Quesnel sits last with just 26 goals through 13 games. Former King, Justin Hogan, leads the team in points with 10 in 13 games. The 20 year-old does have 17 year-old and local boy, Spencer Graboski to work with up front. You may remember, Graboski actually opened the scoring on Oct 8th, just 57 second into the contest. Another player that can provide some offensive ins 19 year-old Clayton Chessa. He did not play in the first meeting this season, as he sat out with an injury. This core is built around grit and toughness, and that wont get you too many goals in the BCHL. The key for the Millionaires is to not fall behind early, as the Mills' are 1-4-1-0 when scored on first this season. Furthermore, they are 1-6-0-0 when trailing after the first.
This team will have to captialize on what chances they are given by the Powell River Kings to have success tonight.
Defense:
The blue line leader for Quesnel is their captain, Skyler Smutek. The 20 year-old from Seattle will log considerable amount of ice-time against the top two lines of Powell River. He also can contribute from the back end as well. Smutek has six points (1-5-6) in the 13 games they have played this season. Smutek will also be supported by Mike Zgraggen, as the 19 yer-old plays top 4 minutes, and will be paired up with Smutek at times this season. The defense, from my observation, is hampered by overall foot speed. They do have big bodies in Anderson White (6'4) Stefan Gonzales and David Thompson who both check in at 6'2. However, what arose was the ability for the Kings to beat the Quesnel defenders wide and subsequently generate scoring chances. However, they do have the familarity and comfort of the smaller ice surface at the Twins Arena, to use to their advantage.
Physical play will be the order of the day for them to halt the Powell River attack.
Goaltending:
Kirby Halcrow, Kirby Halcrow, Kirby Halcrow, did I mention Kirby Halcrow? The Grand Prairie native, and last springs break out performer has been a work horse for the Millionaires. The 20 year-old has played in all but one game for the Mills. Halcrow, saw action on October 8th and was replaced by rookie, Adam Harris to start the second. Halcrow will to come up big tonight, in order for his team to have a chance at two points.
Record: 9-3-1-1
Road Record: 2-1-1-0
Last 5 games: 4-0-0-1
The Kings come into their cariboo/interior road swing playing good hockey. The green & gold took 3 out of a possible 4 points over the weekend. This trip will be a good test, as the club has had a predominately home heavy schedule so far this season. If you do recall, the Kings struggled on this road trip last year. The Kings lost to Quesnel and Williams Lake and Salmon Arm in overtime. They won't be looking to repeat that performance.
Forwards:
Don't look now, but rookie, Cohen Adair, is putting up points. Adair has registered points in three straight games, all assists. In fact, the "Dair Devil" recorded two helpers in his teams 3-1 victory over Westside. His line mates are doing too bad either. Last year's team scoring leader, Chad Nidderry, is in his familar perch, atop of the team scoring lead. Nidderry had two goals and one assist on Saturday to push his points total to 23 in 14 games. I would make a case for him and Matt Garbowsky as the two best all around forwards in the league. Think about it. Nidderry and Garbowsky play a huge chunk of power-pla, including on the top penalty-kill unit. If their was a Frank Selke trophy in the BCHL, flip a coin and give it to either of the two.
The core up front has started to find its goal scoring touch, Yes, they have struggled on converting their chances over the past week. However, we saw signs of a slow progression into the right direction with the win over Westside Saturday. Mike Sones has shown signs of his offensive flair he played with last year in Ontario. Sones, along with Matt Garbowsky and Brendan Forbes have created significant scoring chances in the opponents end. The bottom six is nine men deep! As Steven Schmidt looks right at home playing with the Harwyluck twins or the combination of Teagan Waugh and Dan Schuler. Furthermore, Ryan Elliot has shown signs of his scoring pension from Manitoba as he is starting to get chances in, and around the net.
More goals will indeed have to come from 6 through 12 to continue the success this team has seen so far. Only time will tell.
Defense:
After an "off night" against Langley. If you can call three goals against on 28 shots an off night. The Kings back end was air tight on Saturday. Mike Garteig only had to face 19 shots from Westside, and wasn't overly tested in the Powell River net. This D-core was expected to given the opposition's forwards a miserable night game in and game out. I think it's safe to say they are starting to achieve that. Justin DaSilva and Craig Dalrymple are developing into a top pairing, using their size and speed to cause havoc at both ends of the ice.
Jason Yee won't catch your eye in the stat column, however just watch him in person. The 20 year-old could be lobbied as one of the top shut down defensemen in the BCHL. Yee is consistently snuffing out the oppositions top forwards on a nightly basis, playing alongside Jon Jutzi. That Pairing, along with two unique last names, are being noticed for the capabilities inside their own end.
Klay Kachur and Chris Williams have been two versatile players, who on occasion have played forward minutes this seasons. Put it this way, I would not want to be caught with me head down, if those two are on the ice.
Braden Pears, remember him? It's just that his work goes under the radar, as the kings top moving puck defensemen. He can skate like the wind, has vision that you rarely see from a 17 year old D-man and strength is very deceptive on the ice.
Goaltending:
What can you say about the Kings goaltending, that I haven't already? Mike Garteig has played himself into one of the top goaltenders in the BCHL. He sits first or second in every major statistical category for a goaltender. And to think, he still has one more year of eligibility left.
Sean Maguire, who put in a solid effort against the Millionaires, will see action this week, guranteed. The young puck stopper from Powell River, has all the tools to be an elite goaltender in this league. Now we are watching him starting to put it all together.
I will check back with you, later tonight
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