CRAIG DALRYMPLE COMMITS TO OHIO STATE FOR 2012



Kings first year defenseman Craig Dalrymple has commited to Ohio State University for the fall of 2012. The 19 year-old is the third King to sign on with the Buckeyes as he joins Chad Niddery and Justin DaSilva. Niddery and DaSilva will be going to Columbus next fall.

Through 32 games Dalrymple has 8 goals and 12 assists.

I spoke with Associate Head Coach and Assist GM Chad Van Diemen about Dalrymple's commitment.
listen here

I will speak to Dalrymple later today and post the audio as soon as I can.

Here's Dalrymple's interview
Dalrymple

MALMO REDHAWKS UPDATE

It's less then a month away to the New Year's Eve game between the Powell River Kings and Swedish Jr Club Malmo Redhawks.

Here's a conversation I had with Kings Marketing Director and Community Coordinator, Elise Statham.

Listen Here

Malmo will also be making stops in Nanaimo, Alberni Valley, Cowichan Valley and Victoria.



Kings Invade the Pitch; Still in the Top Three

The Kings are hitting the soccer pitch tonight and for a good cause. The boys will be challenging the Brooks Secondary Senior Girls soccer team at the high school.

details here

The game goes at 7:30pm and make sure you dress warm.

Also the Kings slipped to third in the CJHL's weekly rankings. The complete rankings can be found here.

For once I think those behind the rankings got it right. Many thought with the loss on Wednesday Powell River would tumble down the standings. However those at the CJHL office recognized the strong weekend showing by the Kings and the way in which they won both games. I might have to stop with my eastern bias theories, hey, I said might.

Kings Close Out November on a Winning Note

Powell River ended the week on a winning note. The Kings went two for two on the Island with wins over Nanaimo (2-1) and Alberni Valley (4-1). The wins give the team an eight point cushion atop the Coastal Confernce and a seven point lead in the BCHL.  Their record also jumped to an impressive 10-2-3-1 away from the Hap Parker Arena. 

Kent Lewis stated on Friday that in order to be successful on the weekend they had to be better prepared and have a much better work ethic. That was answered in both games as Powell River showed a determined and gritty performance over the six periods they played.  A more physical presence in both zones was  displayed, creating scoring opportunites at one end and snuffing out chances at the other. Something we didn't see earlier in the week.

The team has five days to prepare for a Friday night home game versus Langley. The Kings will get back on the ice for practice tomorrow afternoon.

Don't forget the team is playing the Brooks Secondary Senior Girls Soccer Team tomorrow night at 7:00pm at the school field. The team is seeking pledges for the contest with all proceeds going to their Movember cause.

Weekend's three stars:

1. Sean Maguire

The 17 year-old was terrific going 2-0 on the weekend stopping 50 of 52 shots over the two games. His save percentage was a staggering .962 on the weekend. He dropped his GAA to 2.09 and bumped his Save Percentage to .919.



2. Jon Jutzi

The rookie rearguard from Tavistock, Ontario played outstanding.  He scored a beauty goal on a nice rush on Frank Slubowski that will be talked about for quite some time. Geoff Grimwood commented on the post-game show, saying some of the plays the 19 year-old makes are hints of bigger things to come.



3. Andrew Pettitt

The third year King embodies the team first attitude Kent Lewis expects out of his players. I can recount a dozen times when he went down to block oppostion shots on the PK and even strength. As Grimwood put it, not too many 35 goal guys would do some of the stuff he has done. Oh, by the way, he scored both game winning goals to boot. Not bad eh?

GAME PREVIEW: KINGS at BULLDOGS

                   

14-10-2-1 (5th)                      21-5-3-2 (1st)

Big Story: The fourth of sixth meetings between these two Coastal Conference foes. Powell River took the last encounter 2-1 back on November 12th. The Kings also hold the edge in the season series with a record of 2-1-0-0. Both teams are coming off wins as well. Alberni blanked Cowichan 1-0 and Powell River edged Nanaimo 2-1.

Team Scope:

Kings: Powell River is 2-1-2-0 in their last five games but the coaching staff would say their record doesn't reflect their results. In the past two weeks the Kings have battled themselves mostly, trying to find consistency and jump in their game. Did they return to form last night? I would say they defiantly made head way in the right direction. The team had better focus and desire right through the game in Nanaimo. Also the Kings have a bad taste in their mouth after a humbling 3-1 loss in the valley on their first trip over the hump. Yet again Powell River has redemption on their minds.

Bulldogs: After losing 6 in a row between the end of October and the start of November the 'Dawgs it seems have started to find their game once again. In their last five games, Alberni Valley sports an impressive 3-1-1-0 mark which includes a modest two game win streak. This team won't score a whole bunch as they sit last in goals in the Coastal Conference with 8. However they won't give you much either, just look at the season series:

Sept 11th 3-1 PR

Sept 30th 3-1 AV

Nov 12th 2-1 PR

That's only 11 goals scored in total by both teams in the three encounters. To put that into context, Salmon Arm and Quesnel combined for 11 goals last night.

Alberni Valley boasts one of the best goaltenders in the BCHL in Frank Slubowski. The Prince Rupert native has only surrendered 5 goals on 65 shots in the three games against the Kings. He is the backbone of Paul Esdale's stingy defense much like Mike Garteig and Sean Maguire are for Powell River.

Who's Hot: Matt Garbowsky, Chad Niddery and Dan Schuler have combined for 8 points in three meetings this season with the Bulldogs. Garbowsky and Niddery each have one goal and two helpers....Casey Bailey and Josh Mitchell each have two points each for the Bulldogs in three games against the Kings.

Injury Report: Teagan Waugh and Cohen Adair remain out  for the Kings with Upper Body injuries. Tanner Hicks is out for the Dawgs still recovering from a spleen laceration.

Stat Pack: It's two good records going head to head. The Kings have the second best road record in the BCHL at 9-2-3-1 and the Bulldogs have the second best home record in the Coastal Conference at 11-4-1-0.

Puck Drop: This might surprise some but not to those who have paid careful attention. Sean Maguire will get the start in goal tonight after last night's excellent showing in Nanaimo. The coaches feel Maguire deserves another go and who can blame them.





Pre-Game show at 6:45pm Play-by-Play at 7pm on SUN FM

For the scoop on the Bulldogs, check Hammers Bulldogs Blog. Evan Hammond is the voice of the Bulldogs.click here

Kings take rematch 2-1

Sam Lebrecque's goal tonight was a spoiler for a different reason.

The diminutive defenseman scored the game winner on Wednesday in Nanaimo's 6-3 victory in Powell River, but tonight his goal broke up Sean Maguire's shutout bid.

The Kings 17 year old provided excellent goaltending propelling his team to a 2-1 win over the Clippers in Nanaimo. The Kings finished their Nanaimo portion of the season series going undefeated in three games at the Frank Crane Arena (2-0-1-0). The win also evens the overall record with Nanaimo (2-2-1-0).

Kent Lewis eluded to it in the pre-game show when, in his own words, he said Wednesday's game was the worst effort he has seen from his club this year and that he demands better. He got what he asked for.

Granted the starts in each of the three periods weren't great, but the Kings in each of those periods found their legs as the game progressed. The team also found their face-off touch as well, as all four centermen were good in the circles and especially in key situations. I point to Steven Schmidt and Brenden Forbes centering the 3rd and 2nd line doing a very good job.

Going back to Lewis once more, he wasn't happy with the state of his team's power-play suggesting that they needed to keep it simple and not be too fancy. Message delivered and received. Andrew Pettitt deflected a Craig Dalrymple point shot in the third which turned out to be the game winning goal.

A much better effort on this night from all 18 skaters which will be needed tomorrow night in Alberni Valley.

GAME LINE UPS: KINGS at CLIPPERS

LaFlamme- Gladiuk- Stanimir

Cyr- Jamieson- Kramer

Leo Fitzgerald-Gerry Fitzgerald- Myles Fitzgerald

Allison (AP)- Bell- Yamasaki (AP)

Newell- Gebert

Labrecque- McCormack

Ursic- McNaughton

Pelletier

Premont

Scratches: Martin, Dopko, Domsodi, Jaw, Hartskamp, Puddifant, Lowenberger

Niddery- Garbowsky- Schuler

Shinkark- Forbes- Pettitt

Sones- Schmidt- Kachur

Bond Hawryluk- Brendan Hawryluk- Elliot

Jutzi-Yee

DaSilva- Williams

Pears- Dalrymple

Maguire

Garteig

Scratches: Waugh, Renner, Adair

GAME PREVIEW: KINGS at CLIPPERS

Kings-- 20-5-3-2 (1st) Clippers--13-11-1-3 (5th)

Last 10: Kings 6-1-2-1 Clippers 6-3-0-1


 The Nanaimo Clippers 6-3 win on Wednesday was their second win this season in Powell River. The Kings only have a losing record to two Coastal Conference teams, one of them being Nanaimo. Tonight is the 5th of 6 meetings and the final at Frank Crane Arena.


Are you an half glass full or half empty person? If your the former, the Kings have collected 6 of a possible 10 points in their last four games and as mentioned above, are 6-1-2-1 in their last ten. However if you are the latter, Powell River has just won once in their last four (1-1-2-0) and have been battling consistency.

Tonight the Kings will have to bring it from the opening puck drop right through until the final buzzer.

Clippers Double Kings 6-3

Bad start and bad finish for Powell River.

The Kings looked flat from the start spotting Nanaimo a two goal lead in the first. Not all was lost as at one point Ryan Elliot scored his first BCHL goal to give Powell River a 3-2. That was short lived.

Andrew Gladiuk scored 31 seconds later, the first of four straight for Nanaimo. Sam Lebrecque scored the winner on the power-play 50 seconds into the third.

Game Over

Shots: Nan 37 PR 34

• The Kings will need to bring more energy and emoition to Friday's rematch in Nanaimo. The Clippers were missing six regulars and only played with three lines and two AP's but looked to be the team with all the gusto.
• Powell Rivers goals, all three, were from rebounds off the pads of Charles Pelletier. How come they didn't continue that in the third? The team seemed to press when they were down and didn't keep with what worked.
• Look for a team ready from the warm-up come Friday. It's rare you would see a team like this come out with a copy cat performance of tonight.

GAME PREVIEW: CLIPPERS at KINGS

Clippers: 12-11-1-3(6th)    Kings: 20-4-3-2 (1st)

Big Story: The Kings are coming off of a week where they picked up six of a possible eight points and climbed to second in the CJHL rankings. The Kings completed a weekend mainland swing which saw them go 1-0-2-0.  The Nanaimo Clippers have been up and down as of late. The Boatmen earned a weekend split after downing Alberni Valley 3-1 in Port Alberni on Saturday. One night before, Nanaimo was blanked at home 3-0 by Merritt.

Team Scope:

Nanaimo-- The Clippers are making their second visit to Powell River and are looking for another two points. They opened their season with a 4-3 victory over the Kings at the Hap Parker Arena back on September 12th. Nanaimo hasn't been road warriors though this season as Saturday's win was just their fourth away from the Frank Crane Arena. Injuries continue to be a story in the month of November as they will be without a few regulars. The last time these two teams met, the Clippers had 9 players on the mend, including four defensemen. You can say what you want about injuries, but what Nanaimo has gone through would hurt any team's chances of  having a good start.

Powell River-- Goals were hard to come by over the weekend for the Kings, but it wasn't for the lack of trying. They scored six goals over the three games, four of which came in a 4-1 win over Coquitlam on Saturday. Powell River had their chances both on Friday and Sunday as they fired 76 shots over the two games. Converting on rebound chances will be key for the Kings tonight.

Who's Hot-- Once again Matt Garbowsky is mentioned, and deservingly so. The 20 year-old has scored in two straight and has 5 goals and 2 assists in his last 5 games... Justin DaSilva has 2 goals and 6 points in his last five. Carter Shinkaruk has 2 points in as many games for the Kings as well...Kyler Kramer has been the hottest Clipper as of late. Kramer has 3 goals and 6 points in his last three games, including two goals last Wednesday against Quesnel. Both Andrew Gladiuk and Graeme McCormack have 1 goal and 3 points in their last three as well.

Injury Report: Teagan Waugh remains out for the Kings and is targeting a return for next week. Cohen Adair won't be in tonight's game as he is resting an injury from the weekend. Chad Niddery is back in the line-up after missing Sunday's game.

 For Nanaimo, Mike Puddifant and Brett Hartskamp won't be in the line-up. Also Sam Labreque, Brayden Jaw, Mike Dopko and Mike Domsodi were missing on Saturday and it remains to be seen if they are able to go tonight.

Stat Pack: The Clippers will look to turn around their road woes tonight as they sport a below .500 record. They did win on Saturday which improved their mark to 4-5-0-2. They will  be in tough against the Coastal Conference's best home Team. The Kings are 12-2-0-1 at home and haven't lost in regulation since September 19th. Also the Kings have scored first in their last 7 contests. Nanaimo can't afford to go behind early.

Puck Drop: BCHL Player of the Week Mike Garteig will get the start in goal for Powell River. The Kings puck stopper is riding a personal 9 game unbeaten streak. The Kings are only playing their second home game in the last 7 days and won't be back home until next Friday. That's only three home games in 16 days.

Weekend Rewind



The Powell River Kings concluded their weekend mainland swing by collecting four out of a possible six points. The Kings only surrendered three goals in three games but won once. That's the kind of weekend it was.



• Well deserved recognition for Kings netminder Mike Garteig (above). He is the BCHL player of the week! Way to go Garts'!  Full details here.  Garteig is, in my opinion, an early season MVP candidate.
• The Kings have climb to 2nd in the CJHL weekely rankings. Full details here
• 6 goals in three games might concern some. Heck, Penticton scored 7 in one period yesterday versus Prince George. However the Kings have scored 100 goals, which is fourth best in the Coast and 5th best in the entire BCHL. Remember, this team did put 5 past the Vernon Vipers last week. The goals will come.
• Also you need to factor in that the Kings weren't playing 100 percent healthy the entire weekend, as the flu bug has gone through the team and staff. Also factor in Chad Niddery and Cohen Adair picking up bumps along the way. Yesterday this team was missing two thirds of their top unit as Dan Schuler was also out for a one game suspension.
• If you were to poll all 16 head coaches in the BCHL I would guess that 14 would be quite happy with 6 out a possible 8 points. That's what the Kings did last week.
• I don't want to use this as a soapbox to complain about officiating. However the Kings had more then a few tough calls go against them including a controversial disallowed goal in Surrey which would have turned out to be the game winner. I know quite well officials are just like you and me and like players are trying to develop to the next level. All I ask for is consistency and I know coaches want better dialogue.
• It's another busy week for the Kings as they have a home and home with Nanaimo starting Wendesday and a trip to the Dog Pound on Saturday.

Enjoy your Monday,

GAME DAY: KINGS at CHIEFS

Thompson- McBride- Gerling

Dyck- Myers- Ius

Hansen- Tebbutt- Dhaliwal

Sitterley- Pevy- B.Scholten

Bakken- Tuohy

Haber- Daly

D. Scholten- Strahle

Miller

Galley

Huggins

Scratches: Mason Blacklock



Adair- Garbowsky- Pettitt

Shinkaruk- Forbes- Sones

Renner- Schmidt- Kachur

Bon Hawryluk- Brendan Hawryluk- Elliot

Williams- DaSilva

Jutzi- Yee

Pears- Dalrymple

Garteig

MaGuire

Scratches: Niddery, Schuler (suspension) Waugh

GAME LINE UPS



Niddery - Garbowsky- Schuler

Shinkaruk- Forbes- Pettitt

Kachur- Schmidt- Renner

Bond- Elliot- Brendan

DaSilva- Williams

Juzti- Yee

Pears- Dalrymple

Garteig

Maguire

Scratches: Adair, Waugh, Sones

Krgovich- Reid- Perry

Grecica- Straight- Lamacchia

Axford- Petan- Charles

Deacon- Georgeson- Pacey

Gelley- McIntosh

Begert- Eng

Hutchinson- Bennett

Hernandez

Devji

Scratches: Carroll, McKinney

GAME PREVIEW: KINGS at EXPRESS

For a recap from last night's BCHL action click here

KINGS (19-4-2-2) at EXPRESS (10-10-1-5)

Radio: 95-7 Sun FM 6:45PM Pre-Game Show

Last 10-- Kings 7-1-1-1; Express 2-5-1-2

Season Series: The teams are meeting for the second time this season. The Kings edged the Express 2-1 at the Coquitlam Sports Centre on October 29th.

Big Story: The Kings are looking for their first win on their mainland road trip. Powell River tied Surrey 1-1 last night in a double overtime contest. Powell River has been up and down recently going 1-0-1-1 in their last three games but have collect points in their last 10 games. Coquitlam is trying to find consistency in their game. The Express were drubbed 10-2 on Wednesday in Langley and were nipped 4-3 in overtime last night at home to Vernon. Before that the  Express recorded wins over Langley and Nanaimo and tied Alberni Valley.

Team Scope

Kings-- Powell River is embarking on their second three game road trip in two and a half days. Their first such trip ended in a split, losing in Alberni Valley, tying Nanaimo before winning in Victoria. On the trip the coaching staff was stressing on better finish and playing with energy.

Most teams employ the attitude of being a .500 team on the road, not Powell River. Kent Lewis has preached being just as confident and successful on the road as at home. Even with last night's tie, the Kings still own a very good 7-2-2-1 road record.


Express-- With young teams you will encounter inconsistency throughout the season. The Express's hot start surprised many around the BCHL as John Calvano had his team firing out of the starting gate. However in late October and into November Coquitlam has had their struggles. At one point the Express hit a rough patch losing 8 straight. However since then the Express have gone 2-1-1-1 in their last five games.

Coquitlam have been under seige in their own zone in recent games. You can point to the lop sided loss on Wednesday as an example, but overall the Express sport the second highest goals against in the coastal conference. Defense will be key tonight for the Express.

Who's Hot

Kings-- Justin DaSilva has scored in two straight games and points in his last four. DaSilva leads all defenseman in scoring on Powell River and sits 4th in team scoring. The 20 year-old has quietly gone about collecting 26 points in 24 games. Matt Garbowsky had his 5 game point streak snapped last night but had 9 points over that span. Chad Niddery's assist on DaSilva's goal gives him 6 straight games with a point.

Express-- The Express are getting scoring from all areas of their line-up as 10 players have reached double digits. Upfront the Express are lead by two veteran players. Massimo Lamacchia leads the team in scoring wth 28 points in 26 games. Just behind him is 20 year-old Brad Reid who has 11 goals and 27 points in 26 games as does rookie Destry Straight. He sits third in scoring with one less goal then Reid. It seems on any given night, it can be a different player or players that step up and lead the offensive charge for Coquitlam. It makes opponents respect their line-up and not key on one player in particular.

Injury Report-- Teagan Waugh remains out for the Kings with an upper body injury. Cohen Adair was nicked up last night and will sit out tonight to rest. Coquitlam on paper looks to be healthy.

Stat Pack-- You have to go back to October 23rd for Powell River's last road regulation loss. Since then game the Kings are 2-0-1-1 away from Hap Parker Arena. The Express are 2-1-1-1 in their last 5 home games.

Puck Drop-- The Pre-Game show is at 6:45PM on Sun FM with myself & Josh Statham.

GAME PREVIEW: KINGS at EAGLES

Powell River (19-4-1-2)        Surrey (15-9-0-1)

Season Series:  This is the second of six meetings between these two Coastal Conference teams. Surrey took the opener, 6-5 back on September 19th. Both teams were playing their third game in two and a half days and it showed in the Kings play. The two teams will meet again on December 10th once more in Surrey.

Big Story: The Eagles have lost Richard Vanderhoek to the WHL. The Vancouver Giants announced the signing of the power forward earlier this week. Vanderhoek was second in team scoring, compiling 16 goals 27 assists for 43 points. click here for the Giants press release.

That means it's up to Bradly McGowan and Jeff Vanderlugt to shoulder the offensive load upfront and look for a new line-mate as well. This will also mean 20 year-old, Dan Gentzler will be counted on for more production.

The big guns for Powell River are red hot as well. Matt Garbowsky has 8 points in his last 5 games (6-2-8) and Chad Niddery has 6 points (0-6-6) in his last 5 as well. That pair was reunited with winger Dan Schuler who made his return from injury on Wednesday and scored on the power-play. Also don't forget the production the Kings are getting from the trio of Carter Shinkaruk, Cohen Adair and Andrew Pettitt. Adair and Pettitt drew helpers on Shinkaruk's 4th of the season in Wednesday's game.

Team Scope:

Kings-- As mentioned above, the Kings are getting scoring from all area's of their line-up. On Wednesday it was the second unit and before that we saw Steven Schimdt, Brenden Forbes and Scott Renner get hot too. This will be the key to Powell River's success as the season wears on-scoring from all lines. Having Schuler back is a big boost for the top unit but more importantly scoring from 1 through 12 is the biggest key.

The power-play did score on Wednesday and here's to hoping they score with regularity. This team with their skill and speed will draw plenty of penalties throughout the season, the key is if they can cash in on those opportunities.

Eagles-- Surrey will be doing some line shuffling after losing 1/3 of the "Dutch Blitz." This team plays an up tempo offensive game that opens up plenty of scoring chance-both ways. Granted the Eagles have scored the second most goals in the division (106) however they also have surrendered 92.  That style of play is certainly exciting for the fans to watch but can expose you on your own side of centre. Take the fact both Eagles goaltenders have a goals against above 3 and you can start to piece it together. Vinny Lessard who was thought to be the starter in his final season was traded back east. The Eagles have brought in Karel St. Laurent who has proven he can start in the league (GP 4 3-1-0-0). If the Eagles commit to team defense they can be a very dangerous team come the spring.

Who's Hot: As I mentioned before, Garbowsky and Niddery have been a dangerous pairing. The two seem to know where the other is on the ice and create scoring chances for each other on every shift. Shinkaruk is starting to heat up as well. The 19 year-old has collected 4 points (2-2) in his last 5 games. He has one of the best sets of hands on the Kings and at times shows brilliance when handling the puck....Jeff Vanderlugt is riding a 4 game asssist streak and Tyler Morely is caring a three game streak in that department for Surrey. If your the opposition you always have to keep in mind where # 17 (McGown) is on the ice. McGowan is a pure play maker who can change the game with one play.

Injury Report-- With Schuler back, Teagan Waugh is the only King on the sidelines. Waugh is making progress with his injury and could make a return this weekend.

Stat Pack-- The Kings are road warriors. They sport a 7-2-1-1 record away from the Hap Parker Arena and have only dropped one road game against an Coastal Conference opponent. Surrey has a distinct advantage playing on an olympic ice sheet but it hasn't been too kind to them this season. The Eagles sport a 6-4-0-1 record at the nest.

Puck Drop: Those wearing a moustache can get in free tonight at the Eagles-Kings game. Surrey is inviting fans wearing a moustache for Movember to come to the game-free of charge....pre-game show at 6:45pm on SUN FM

Kings Crown Vipers 5-2; The Day Before...

Powell River wasn't going to let history repeat itself; at least Justin DaSilva and Matt Garbowsky weren't.

DaSilva and Garbowsky scored 44 seconds apart in the third period to seal the win for Powell River and snuff out any third period heroics by Vernon.

The Kings spotted themselves a 2-0 lead after the first period on tallies from Carter Shinkaruk (4) and Dan Schuler (6)(PPG). Both scores came from rebounds infront of Snakes goaltender Blake Voth. The Kings looked like they planned to buzz the net from the get go.

However, much like Saturday in Duncan the Kings let the opposition creep back in. Vernon scored the only goal in the second period on the power-play as Adam Thompson one-timed a shot home from a Dylan Walchuk pass from the corner. The Vipers kept the momentum coming to start the third.

Michael Zelewski knotted the game at 2's 1:13 into the final frame when he fooled Mike Garteig on a shot from the left circle that seemed to fool the Kings netminder as it darted past his right shoulder. I myself wonder if it took a deflection in off a King defender. Though soon enough it was the Kings surprising Blake Voth.

Justin DaSilva scored the game winner at 9:51 of the third when he fired a cannon from the  point after a face-off win in the Vipers zone. The puck went post and in on the glove hand side of Voth who has no chance on the play. On the next shift Garbowsky  put a rebound between the legs of Voth after a scramble in front of the Vipers net.

Mike Sones put the finishing touches on the game with an empty net goal at 19:18 of the third.

Kings 5 Vipers 2
GAME OVER

• The Game was much closer then it indicated as Vernon had their chances to score first and in the third grab the lead. Remember this game was tied at 2 with 10 minutes left in the game.
• Mark Ferner doesn't have to worry about his blue-line. The 6 he has assembled look very good, especially Malcom Lyles and Adam Thompson. Lyles was arugeable the best skater on the ice for the Vipers and was good at picking his spots in the offensive zone. Thompson is a horse for Vernon and did a good job quarterbacking the Vipers power-play.
• Good to see Carter Shinkaruk finding the back of the net. He scored his 4th and deserves more for the amount of hardwork and hustle he shows shift in and shift out.
• Vernon won't hit you into next week but that's the point. The Vipers are all about puck possesion as you won't give up many chances when you don't turn the puck over.
• My prediction, you haven't seen the best of Vernon yet and they will have something to say when it comes to the Interior Conference crown.

GAME PREVIEW: VIPERS at KINGS

VIPERS (12-7-1-5) at KINGS (18-4-1-2)

Radio: 95-7 SUN FM Pre-Game Show 7:15pm

Last 10--Vipers 5-2-0-3; Kings 8-1-0-1

Season Series: This is the first of only two meetings between the teams this season. The last time these two clubs met, the Vipers won game 7 of the Fred Page Cup 3-1. The teams conclude their series when Powell River pays a visit to Vernon on January 21st.

Big Story: This will be a matchup of two teams looking to rebound from tough losses. The Kings lost 5-4 in double overtime in Cowichan Valley on Saturday; Vernon was edged 4-3 by Salmon Arm on the same night. Do I have to mention this is a rematch of the last two BCHL Finals?

Team Scope

Vipers: Mark Ferner's club is in an unfamiliar position as they have dropped two straight games and are looking up at three teams in the Interior Conference standings. However, the Vipers have only 5 returning players from last year's squad and are still trying to find their rhythm.

The 4-3 loss Saturday was especially tough for Vernon as they let a 3-1  third period lead slip away.  With the score tied 1-1 after two peiods, Vernon scored two early goals in the third period to take a 3-1 lead.   Salmon Arm stormed back with three unanswered goals in a span of 2:01 to claim the victory.

The Vipers will have to find their road legs this week as tonight is the first of 4 games in 5 days. Vernon  has Thursday off before moving on to the mainland for three in a row starting Friday in Coquitlam.

Kings: The Kings had to settle for just one point on Saturday in Duncan, but they can take pride in the fact  that they rallied from two goal third period deficit to force the extra period.

The Kings lead 2-0 early on in the first period after a pair of goals from Cohen Adair. However Cowichan scored four conesecutive goals including a natural hat-trick from Tyler Matheson. Powell River knows that type of hockey won't be acceptable tonight.

Powell River owns the best home record in the Coast (11-2-0-1) and second best in the BCHL. The Kings also defeated the Vipers 3-2 in overtime last year in the Vipers only visit to the Hap Parker Arena.

Who's Hot: Matt Garbowsky has 5 goals and 1 assist in his last 4 games and Chad Niddery has 5 assists. Garbowsky and Niddery combined for 4 points in Saturdays 5-4 loss. Cohen Adair is also wielding a hot stick. He has 3 goals and 2 assists in the past 4 contests....Vernon's Michael Zalewski has scored in three straight games and John Knisley is riding a 5 game assist streak.

Injury Report: Teagan Waugh (Upper Body) and Dan Schuler (Upper Body) remain out for the Kings. Vernon on paper is healthy.

Stat Pack: It could be a power struggle at the rink tonight. The Kings own the league's best penatly Kill and will going up against a Vernon Power-Play that ranks 14th. It looks like a miss-match on paper, but keep in mind this will be Powell River's first look at the Vipers specials teams.

Puck Drop: Despite the wealth of offensive talent the Kings display, their power-play only ranks 12th. They will need captialize on a Vernon PK unit that ranks 8th in the league The Kings power-play has been their achilles heel of late going 3/21 in it's 4 games.

A game like this should draw a large crowd.  Even though it's a Wednesday night, the back to back National Champs from Vernon should be a marquee event for hockey fans. 

Monday Morning Musings

• The Kings had their 6 game winning streak end on Saturday with a 5-4 OT loss to Cowichan Valley. It was just a matter of time before the Kings would have "one of those nights" and that was Saturday.
• Saturday was the first time in 20 games that the Kings surrendered 5 goals. You have to go back to September 19th, when the Kings dropped a 6-5 decision to Surrey.
• The numbers can be cruel to goaltenders. Sean Maguire saw his Goals Against Average jump from a stingy 1.97 to 2.55 after Saturday's game. The numbers are taken from a small sample size, as he has only played in 5 games. Maguire will be a great talent in this league as the 17 year-old has already shown he belongs in the BCHL. How can you not like him either? Maguire is one of the most honest goaltenders I have met. He will be the first to tell you that two of those goals shouldn't have gone in.
• It was an encouraging sign to see the Kings pull up their socks for Saturday's third period to force overtime. It was a less than stellar effort from Powell River in the middle portion of the game. However, they showed some grit to bear down and at least get a single point.
• Kent Lewis commented last week how he wasn't pleased with the team's attitude and work habit in the practices leading up to the weekend.  Saturday can be taken as a lesson learned, as you simply can't look past any team in the BCHL.
• Wednesday's match up with the Vernon Vipers could be just what the doctor ordered.  A rematch of the last two league finals can re-focus this team ahead of a busy weekend on the mainland.

Switching gears...

• The Powell River Kings remain 4th in the CJHL's weekly national rankings. The Kings did grab 3 out of a possible 4 points. Other notables from the list has Trail cracking the top 20 after a week where they took home 6 of 8 points. The full list can be found here
• Who was the driving force behind the Smokies strong play? Look no further than Cullen Bradshaw, as he was named the BCHL Player of the Week. Full details here
• The USA downed Team Canada East 6-4 in the Gold Medal game at the World Jr. A Challenge in Penticton. That's three straight gold medals for the Yanks'
• Jon Jutzi's parents solved a riddle for me. I wasn't sure of the meaning behind the Elmira Sugar Kings name.  They pointed out that Elmira is the Maple Sugar capital of Canada and they gave me my own bottle of syrup to show for it.  Thank you to the Jutzi's!

Finally,  I would like to wish my Dad a very happy 53rd birthday!! I know he isn't a guy who likes being dotted on, but he is a man that I look up to and try to emulate. Love you Pops!!

GAME NOTES: KINGS at CAPITALS

Niddery-Garbowsky-Sones

Shinkaruk-Adair-Pettitt

Renner-Forbes-Schmidt

Bond Hawryluk-Brendan Hawryluk-Elliot

Kachur

DaSilva-Williams

Jutzi-Yee

Pears-Dalrymple

Maguire

Garteig

Scratches: Schuler, Waugh and one after warm-up

Matheson-Hammond-Saretsky

Jones-Godinho-Grant

Kaiser-Petrie-Mueller

Houghton-MacDonald-Bruce

Paterson-Robak

Wong-Halloran

Marcinew-Panichelli

Glover

Dun

Scratches: Garrett, Evans, Amies

Game Highlights: Bulldogs at Kings

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Game Photos: Alberni Valley at Powell River

Big Win, Big Crowd

The Kings extended their win streak to 6 games with a 2-1 win over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in front of 1110 fans.

The win improves the Kings record to a league best 18-4-1-1. Alberni Valley drops their 3rd straight and their record falls to 11-8-1-1.

Shots: PR 35 AV 23
PP: PR 0/4 AV 0/4

GAME LINE-UP:BULLDOGS at KINGS

BAILEY J. MITCHELL SOBCHAK

MORELLO DARRAGH HEPSO

DORAIS S. MITCHELL BERKHOLTZ

LITKE McCLUSKEY MICK

KECA RENZ

VARLEY MORRISON

WEBER LYNOTT

SLUBOWSKI

GIROUX

SCRATCHES: HICKS, RIDDLE, ADAMS

NIDDDERY GARBOWSKY SONES

SHINKARUK ADAIR PETTITT

RENNER FORBES SCHMIDT

BOND HARWYLUK BREDAN HARWYLUK KACHUR

DaSILVA WILLIAMS

JUTZI YEE

PEARS DALRYMPLE

GARTEIG

MAGUIRE

SCRATCHES: SCHULER, WAUGH, ELLIOT