Friday, February 25, 2011

Kings dominate All-Star squad

Four Powell River Kings were named to the BCHL Coastal Conference All-Star team Friday.  Mike Garteig, Justin DaSilva, Matt Garbowsky and Chad Niddery were named to the team. They are joined by Clippers Graeme McCormack and the Eagles Brad McGowan.

Garteig, Garbowsky and DaSilva were award winners earlier this week. Garteig was named the Coast's top goaltender, DaSilva top defenseman and Garbowsky Coastal Conference MVP. Niddery is the sixth King to be recognized this week, as Craig Dalrymple was named to the Coastal Conference All-Rookie team.

Coastal Conference:
Goalie – Michael Garteig, Powell River Kings
48 GP, 36-8-3, 1.69 GAA (BCHL record), .934 sv. %(BCHL record)
BCHL Goaltending Award winner
Defence – Justin Dasilva, Powell River Kings
54 GP, 11 G, 32 A, 81 PIM
Defence – Graeme McCormack, Nanaimo Clippers
56 GP, 10 G, 31 A, 41 PIM
Forward – Matt Garbowsky, Powell River Kings
56 GP, 44 G, 36 A, 56 PIM
Coastal Conference Most Valuable Player
Forward – Brad McGowan, Surrey Eagles 59 GP, 36 G, 53 A, 26 PIM
Forward – Chad Niddery, Powell River Kings
56 GP, 28 G, 58 A, 70 PIM

Interior Conference:
Goalie – Kiefer Smiley, Trail Smoke Eaters
47 GP, 23-22-2, 2.83 GAA, .915 sv. %
Defence – Joey Laleggia, Penticton Vees
58 GP, 20 G, 62 A, 47 PIM
Interior Conference Most Valuable Player and Top Defenceman
Defence – Malcolm Lyles, Vernon Vipers 54 GP, 8 G, 22 A, 71 PIM
Forward – Mike Hammond, Salmon Arm SilverBacks 57 GP, 39 G, 54 A, 38 PIM
Brett Hull Trophy winner
Forward – Alex Grieve, Westside Warriors 60 GP, 31 G, 47 A, 53 PIM
Forward – Scott Jacklin, Trail Smoke Eaters

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Everythings bigger in Texas

This gem comes from North American Hockey League game between the Wichita Falls Wildcats and Amarillo Bulls.

Would this be considered a staged fight in the Junior A Supplement?

(Make sure to listen to the audio, the home broadcaster gets a tad excited.)

Kings Korner: Mike Garteig

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Kings Award Winners




Vern Dye Memorial Trophy (Most Valuable Player)
Coastal Conference
 
Matt Garbowsky

If you watched one King's game this season you know why Matt Garbowsky is the MVP. He lead the league in goal scoring (44) without playing a full season (56 games). He lead the team in PPG (12) SHG (4) and GWG (11).  However, his award winning season goes beyond the scoresheet.

Garbowsky along with Chad Niddery made up arguably the best penalty-killing tandem in the BCHL. The two combined for seven short handed goals, but their play without the puck, was second to none. Routinely Garbowsky would create turnovers in the offensive zone when killing penalties as he harassed opposing defensemen all season long. When he was inside his own zone, Garbowsky had the ability to always find the puck, no matter where he was. He also blocked shots with the best of them.

When at even strength, Garbowsky would routinely line-up against the opposition's best line and the majority of time they would be snuffed out. As Kent Lewis would say, the key to their defensive success is puck control, and that starts in the faceoff circles. I would say Garbowsky's face-off percentage is one of the best. I would be hard pressed to find a player better than him when it comes to controling the puck. His ability of cycling the puck below the circles and keeping it away from defenders is uncanny.

Top Defenceman Award
Coastal Conference
Justin DaSilva


Justin DaSilva put together quite the 20 year old season. DaSilva increased his point total by nine from last season with 11 goals and 32 assists to lead all Coastal Conference defensemen in scoring and finished fourth in team scoring. The 6'5, 215 pound defenseman played big minutes in all situations for the Kings (power-play, penalty-kill, four on four). Some might say his his physical attributes alone could give him a distinct advantage at winning this award. However it's not all about just having the advantages, it's about knowing how to use them.

DaSilva's improvement from last season to this season is by all accounts, night and day. The towering rear guard didn't always have to lay the body to be a force in his own zone. His positional play and angles while defending might be overlooked.  DaSilva puts himself in the right position to angle off or stick check an opposing forward. Just look at his penalty-minutes from last season to this season, which is down twelve minutes.

Offensively, I saw a player who showed poise and vision when manning the blue-line, especially on the power-play. Earlier this season DaSilva was often guilty of forcing or rushing shots off from the point. However as the season progressed, he started being selective and showed good vision with his distribution of the puck. Oh hey, when he did shoot, look out.

BCHL Goaltending Award



Mike Garteig

What can you say that hasn't already been said about the Prince George native? Mike Garteig led the league in wins, shutouts, goals against average and save percentage. In fact, Garteig tied the BCHL single-season shutout record with 7. He also set a new BCHL single-season record for goals against average of 1.69. Garteig also compiled two separate six game winning streaks which included ending the season on a nine game winning streak. Garteig collected back-to-back shutouts twice and held the opposition to one goal in 22 of his 48 games played.

The only stats Garteig didn't dominate were games played and minutes played, where he was fourth in both categories. That's simply because of the breakout season of 17 year old "back-up" Sean Maguire. The two also earned the Wally Forslund Memorial Trophy as the leagues best combined GAA.

Critics say he only compiled such great numbers because of the personnel in front of him. However, if you watched a game, you would know there were plenty of games when Garteig had to stand on his head. It isn't easy standing cold for extended periods of time then being tested with a great scoring chance and having to make the save. Many games Garteig's limited shots against were "big save" moments and he was there to answer the call.






Joe Tenant Memorial Trophy (Coach of the Year)
Coastal Conference – Kent Lewis


Kent will be ready to rib me about the attention put on the players with this awards write up and that is exactly why he is one of the best. Kent preaches a team first attitude right to it's very core. He makes it very clear that it's about the logo on the front and not the name on the back.

His philosophy is that it takes forwards one through 12, heck 15, and all seven defensemen contributing to have team success. His formula isn't complicated.  He always states in our interviews that it's about how his team plays within themselves and executing their game plan. He will be the first one to tell you it's about putting pucks in deep, establishing a forecheck and winning the battles between the glass. He is an excellent communicator and motivator and is very loyal to the program and the players respond for that. A well deserved award indeed.

BCHL hands out the hardware

The BCHL announced it 2010-2011 award winners this afternoon and the Kings are well represented.  The Kings were winners in five of the nine categories.

Here are the winners...


Vern Dye Memorial Trophy (Most Valuable Player)
Coastal Conference – Matt Garbowsky, Powell River
Interior Conference – Joey Laleggia, Penticton
Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
Coastal Conference – Destry Straight, Coquitlam
Interior Conference – Bryce Gervais, Salmon Arm
Top Defenceman Award
Coastal Conference – Justin Dasilva, Powell River
Interior Conference – Joey Laleggia, Penticton
Bob Fenton Trophy (Most Sportsmanlike Player)
Coastal Conference – Brad McGowan, Surrey
Interior Conference – Grayson Downing, Westside
Joe Tenant Memorial Trophy (Coach of the Year)
Coastal Conference – Kent Lewis, Powell River
Interior Conference – Tim Kehler, Salmon Arm
Non-voting trophies are as follows:
Brett Hull Trophy (Top Scorer)
Goaltending Award
Wally Forslund Memorial Trophy (For goalie tandem with lowest combined goals-against average) – Michael Garteig/Sean Maguire, Powell River (1.88)
Ron Boileau Memorial Trophy (Regular Season Champions) Powell River Kings

Congrats to Matt, Justin and Mike and the entire Powell River Kings.
(For lowest goals-against average with minimum of 1000 minutes played) – Michael Garteig, Powell River (1.69* New BCHL record)
– Mike Hammond, Salmon Arm (93 points)

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Kings end the regular season on a winning note

  • The Kings ended their season how they started, with a win against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. The Kings opened the season on September 10th with a 3-0 victory against the 'Dogs in Powell River. Last night was another three goal win, with a slightly different scoreline.
  • Unfortunately Mike Garteig came up three minutes short in his attempt to set a new BCHL single season record. Kenney Morrison spoiled the party with the Bulldogs only goal on the power-play late in the third period. Garteig did set a new goals against average record with last night's performance. Garteig finished the season with a GAA of 1.69, point eight percentage points better then Blake Voth's mark a year earlier.
  • The Kings as a team set another record on the weekend. Powell River bettered Vernon's record for goals against in a single season of 119. Powell River set the new mark with 115 goals against in 60 games.
  • Friday's win over Cowichan Valley set a new single season Franchise record in wins with 45. They tied the previous mark of 44 on Wednesday against Salmon Arm. The old record was set in 93-94 by the then Paper Kings.
  • Don't try to compare the two teams. Kent Lewis will tell you it was two different eras and both teams are unique in their seperate ways. If you look up the 93-94 team, their track record is eye poping.
  • The Kings I believe set a new franchise record for road wins in a season with 21. I'll have to do some digging on that stat.
  • Chad Niddery finished the season on a tare. The fourth year King ended the regular season on a 13 game point streak, which saw him collect 10 goals and 24 points. Niddery shot up the scoring table and finished fourth with 86 points.
  • Not to be out done, Matt Garbowsky finished the regular season on a five game point streak and three game goal streak. Garbowsky, baring a five goal outburst by Mike Hammond, will win the BCHL goal scoring title with 44 goals. Garbowsky finished 6th in league scoring with 80 points.
  • To have to players in the top six in league scoring is quite impressive, given the fact both were out of the top ten for the majority of the season. Niddery hung around the 10th-11th spot for quite some time and Garbowsky was in and out of the top 15.
  • Speaking of Mike Hammond, a well deserved scoring title for the Silverback forward. I covered Hammond as a 17 and 18 year-old in Junior B with the Victoria Cougars. He tore that league up in scoring when he started as a 16 year old. However, he was continually told he was not a Junior A scorer. Hammond shuffled back between the Grizzlies and Cougars before landing with the Capitals and then now the Silverbacks. "Mikey" Hammond has proved many people wrong and I can say it was a pleasure watching him with the puck.
  • After last night's game, I believe the two best goaltenders hail from northern BC. Mike Garteig won all the major goaltending statistics and deserving so but Frank Slubowski wasn't too far behind. The Prince Rupert native is the backbone of the Bulldogs and is their MVP candidate hands down. He was terrific in a losing effort against the Kings last night.
  • Now the Kings get some much need rest as they will have a two and a half week break before the second round of the BCHL playoffs.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

GAME PREVIEW: Kings vs. Bulldogs


RECORD: Kings- 45-9-3-3 (95pts) Bulldogs- 24-28-4-3 (55pts)
ROAD vs. HOME: Kings- 20-5-3-2 Bulldogs- 18-9-2-0
LAST 10: Kings- 9-1-0-0 Bulldogs- 4-6-0-0
STREAK: Kings- 4 wins Bulldogs- 1 loss

POWER-PLAY: Kings- 22.10 (9th) Bulldogs 25.10 (4th)
PENALTY-KILL: Kings- 86.94 (1st) Bulldogs 80.27 (6th)

Season Series: The Kings make their final visit to the Weyerhauser Arena in Port Alberni. The Kings have split their first two visits to the Dog Pound, winning 4-1 and losing 3-1. The Kings have won three straight against the 'Dawgs, including the last meeting 4-2 on January 4th in Powell River.

Team Scope

Kings: Powell River rides a four game win streak into the final game of their 2010-2011 BCHL regular season. The Kings almost had that streak end last night but pulled off a dramatic 6-5 OT win against Cowichan.

Some might question what the Kings have left to play for given their record and the matter of already clinching a first round bye,however, there are a few records the team is in pursuit of. The team is looking for the BCHL record for fewest goals allowed in a single season. The mark is 119 which was set last season by the Vipers. Also Mike Garteig still has two records that are within reach.

I reported last night that he did indeed secure the BCHL record for goals against average, on the assumption that he would be getting tonight off. However, Garteig looks to be the starter tonight and will have an opportunity to secure the mark and one other record that I will leave better unsaid.

Also the simple fact is this team want's to go into their 17 day on a winning note, playing well and playing hard. There is no worse feeling then having a long layoff after a sour effort to end the season.

Bulldogs: Alberni Valley is in a similar situation to that of Powell River. The Bulldogs can't improve their place in the standings regardless of tonight's outcome. The Bulldogs will face the Langley Chiefs in the first round of the BCHL playoffs starting Friday in Langley. However, like the Kings, the Bulldogs will also want to play well in their last home game of the regular season.

Furthermore, what a better test for the playoffs then playing your old playoff foe. The Kings will provide a great rivalry game and there is quite the history between these two teams in the past few years. The 'Dawgs will be chomping at the bit I'm sure.

Who's Hot: No one is playing better then Chad Niddery. The Kings left winger is riding a league best 11 game point streak. Over those 11 games Niddery has 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points to match his sweater number.  Matt Garbowsky has quickly put together a four game point streak and two game goal streak. Josh Mitchell is just behind Niddery as he is riding a eight game point streak.

Stat Pack: The Kings won just their third game when tied after two periods last night. Entering the game agiants the Capitals the Kings were 2-2-1-1 when tied after two periods.

Kings capitalize in overtime

  • Another wild shoot out between the Kings and Capitals on Friday. For the second time in the last three meetings the Kings defeated the Caps in overtime, with Matt Garbowsky scoring both goals. Garbowsky took a pass on a two on one from Chad Niddery and made a nice fore hand, back hand deke to beat Chase Martin.
  • The game had a bit of everything on Friday. Drama? Yes. Lead Changes? Oh yes, three to be exact. Power-Play goals? 7 in all, four by Cowichan.
  • In the final three games in the season series, both teams combined for 28 goals. The scores were 7-6, 3-1 and tonight's 6-5 result.
  • The loss eliminates the Capitals from post-season contention and gives the Express the 7th and final playoff spot in the Coastal Conference. Tyler Matheson, Jordan Grant, Matt Cassidy, Matt Ridley and Alex Halloran played their last junior game as they are graduating twenty year olds. Matheson was a beast tonight, scoring twice, including the tying goal and adding one helper. He looked like Dustin Byfuglien on Friday bowling his way again and again inside the Kings zone.
  • The Kings penalty-kill took a beating, as the Caps were 4-7 on the man advantage. As Assistant Coach, Geoff Grimwood put it, tonight was just one of those nights. The Kings penalty-kill will rebound tomorrow.
  • Saying that their power-play was red hot, going 3-4 against the Capitals. Justin DaSilva scored two of the three when he was put up front and looked terrific! Why didn't that work sooner?
  • The night didn't go without its fair share of controversy. The Capitals scored on a power-play early in the third that should of been over. Why? Jason Yee took a penalty late in the second and at the end of the second the Caps were going to start the third with twenty seconds left of power-play time. Then when the teams come out for the third the clock magically had 40 seconds on the clock. How does that happen?
  • I don't want to be one who goes off on the officials but tonight could of been a recipe for disaster. The Caps got away with their fair share of potential penalties. Hey, so did the Kings, I'm sure, however when those penalties don't get called you can have a game that goes side ways. It did at times but both teams settled down in the third.
  • I don't know if I just plain missed it but it seem to me that the in house announcer wouldn't announce the King goals. I didn't hear any King goals go over the PA system, including the overtime winner. Correct me if I'm wrong.
  • Was Brenden Forbes last second goal actually in? Sure seemed like it but then again I'm at centre ice and not down in the blue paint. It looked like the puck was indeed over the line and swept back by a Cap stick. No goal light either, surprise. Ryan Benbow originally called it a goal then waived it off. He stated that he saw the black of Derek Dun's blocker which he miss interpreted as the puck. Hey, I have no problem with a Referee calling what he saw and Benbow came over and explained himself to the King coaches. Can't argue with that.
  • A little birdie who was standing at that end, behind the net, said the puck did cross the line. Oh well, justice was served in overtime.
  • The Kings took 11 of a possible 12 points against th Capitals this season
  • Mike Garteig Didn't set the BCHL shutout record but did set another. Garteig now holds the BCHL record for the lowest goals against average at 1.71. That just beat Blake Voth's 1.77 mark set last season. That's a difference of only point zero six percentage points. Congrat's Garts!
  • The Kings can also set a BCHL record for fewest goals against tomorrow. Tonight's five goals against pushes their goals against to 114. The BCHL record is 119 set last season by Vernon.
  • The win tonight aslo sets a new franchise record for wins in a single season at 45. The record was 44 set in 93-94 by the Kent Lewis coached Paper Kings.

Friday, February 18, 2011

GAME PREVIEW: Kings vs. Capitals


RECORD: Kings- 44-9-3-2 (93pts) Capitals- 21-30-1-7 (50pts)
ROAD vs. HOME: Kings- 19-5-3-1 Capitals- 12-14-1-2
SEASON SERIES: Kings- 4-0-0-1

POWER-PLAY: Kings- 21.32 (9th) Capitals- 15.27 (15th)
Road: Kings- 19.53 (9th) Home: Capitals- 14.07 (15th)
PENALTY-KILL: Kings- 88.12 (1st) Capitals- 73.72 (14th)
Road: Kings- 88.64 (1st) Home: Capitals- 77.85 (11th)
STREAK: Kings- Won 3 Capitals- Lost 1


Season Series: The Kings and Capitals meet for the sixth and final time in the regular season. Powell River won the last meeting on Saturday, earning a 3-1 decision at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan. The Kings have only lost one of the first five meetings, that was a 5-4 double overtime decision to Cowichan.

Team Scope

Kings: Powell River looks to extend their winning streak to four when they make a stop at the "Big Stick." The Kings are 1-1 in Duncan this season, losing 5-4 and winning 3-1. Tonight is the first of two road games with a stop in the Alberni Valley tomorrow to finish their regular season schedule.

The Kings do still have plenty to play for as well. Mike Garteig can set a new single season BCHL shutout record with a bagel tonight or tomorrow. Also he is on pace to set a new goals against average record. Garteig sports a 1.63 GAA with two game remaining. Blake Voth set the mark last season, again with the Vipers at 1.77.As a team the Kings can set a new BCHL goals against record this weekend. The Kings coming into tonight's game have 109 goals against in 58 games. The Vernon Vipers set the record last season at 119.

Also factor in the fact the Kings want to end their regular season on a winning note. The team will be off until March 8th after tomorrow's game against the Bulldogs. The Kings will have 17 full days off between the end of the BCHL regular season and the start of round two in the Fred Page Cup playoffs. That would be a long two and a half weeks if things don't go well this weekend.

Capitals: Simple put, the Caps are playing for their playoff lives right now. Tonight is their final regular season game and it's a must win. Entering tonight's game the Caps are tied with the Express on points with 50 but have one more game played. That's why, even though they have one more win, they sit in the 8th spot entering tonight's action.

You can bet twenty year olds Jordan Grant, Tyler Matheson, Alex Halloran, Matt Cassidy and Matt Ridley  will be leaving everything on the ice tonight. Those players want to keep their final season of junior hockey going, no matter the cost. That mentality can be dangerous for the Kings, as the Caps are a desperate, hungry hockey team and those teams are the hardest to beat.

Even with a loss tonight, the Capitals aren't entirely out of the playoff picture. If the Express drop both games to Surrey and Salmon in regulation, the Capitals would take the final playoff spot on the tie breaker of having more wins. However, Dale Puriton will be stressing to his club not to let it go that far.

Who's Hot: I would be hard press to find someone else playing as well as Chad Niddery. The twenty year old has five goals and eight points in his last two games. Niddery is coming off a two goal, three point performance against the Silverbacks on Wendesday. Niddery's point streak is at a season high nine games and with an assist on Wednesday took over sole possesion of the franchise record for career assists at 145. Niddery past Heath Dennison would held the record with 144 career assists.

Stat Pack: A win tonight gives the Kings the franchise record for wins in a single season with 45. Also the Kings have won nine of their past 10 games.

Injury Report: Teagan Waugh, Dan Schuler, Cohen Adair and Steven Schmidt (suspension) are out for the Kings.



Thursday, February 17, 2011

Kings stop the 'Backs

  • The Blog has changed addresses. Put http://www.rodgersramble.blogspot.com/ into your favourties tab. I made the change for you, the reader. I looked at the most searched phrases when trying to find the blog and "Rodger's Ramble" was head and shoulders above any other.
  • Now to last night's game, where the Kings played one of their better games in the last 10 days or so. The Kings knew they had a tough opponent in the Silverbacks who, coming into the night, had won nine straight games. The team looked up to the task right from the start and continued that intensity right to the final buzzer.
  • There were some hard feelings last night between the two teams which surprises me as they only met once before, and won't meet again unless they meet in a league final. The Silverbacks seemed hot under the collar from the get go and the Kings were as guilty at times with skermishes after the whistle.
  • If there was a league final between these two teams it would be a treat for fans. Both teams played hard and finished checks. Both teams were skating all game and there were chances at both ends when the teams played at full strength. From a fans perspective, I would say this was one of the more entertaining games in recent memeory.
  • Chad Niddery continues to find the puck on his stick when it counts. Niddery now has five goals in his last two games and extended his point streak to nine games. He double shifted regularly with the Hawryluk twins and didn't seem to skip a beat. Two goals and one assist against the league's hottest team... not bad.
  • Kudos to Steven Schmidt, Andrew Pettitt and Klay Kachur. That line had the task of stopping the Silverbacks top unit of Brett Knowles, David Killip and Devon Gannon, and they did. Yes, Knowles and Killip drew assists on Gervais' goal but that was on the power-play. The 'Backs top line didn't make much noise and were held in check.
  • There was plenty of debate about Mike Hammond being selected as the game's third star. In my opinion, he was the most dangerous player on the ice throughout the game for Salmon Arm. Hammond didn't register a point but had a handful of near misses. Hammond is the type of player that can turn it on at any point. Watch the video from last night, the puck was on or near his stick almost every shift.
  • The Kings penalty-kill looked like it's old self against the league's best power-play. The Silverbacks did score once, but for the most part the Kings blocked plenty of shots and kept Salmon Arm to the outside.
  • Finally congratulations to former King Reid Campbell. Today he was named to the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCAA Div III) All-Rookie team. Reid is in his first year with the St.Norbert Green Knights. Probably not the last time he will be getting accolades in his collegiate career. 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

GAME PREVIEW: SILVERBACKS @ KINGS



RECORD: Silverbacks- 37-17-2-0 (2nd Interior) Kings- 43-9-3-2 (1st Coastal)
ROAD vs. HOME: Silverbacks- 15-10-1-0 Kings- 24-4-0-1
Silverbacks vs. Coastal Conference: 7-5-0-0 Kings vs. Interior Conference: 12-3-0-0
POWER-PLAY: Silverbacks- 28.91% (1st) Kings- 21.51% (9th)
Road: Silverbacks- 25.62 % (1st) Home: Kings- 23.36% (7th)
PENALTY-KILL: Silverbacks- 82.33% (3rd) Kings- 88.14% (1st)
Road: Silverbacks- 87.50% (2nd) Kings- 87.60% (1st)
STREAKS: Silverbacks- 9 wins Kings- 2 wins


Season Series: This will be the second and final meeting in the regular season between Powell River and Salmon Arm. The Silverbacks won the first meeting on October 23rd 3-2 at the Sunwave Centre. That was the only loss for the Kings on their first four game BC interior road trip.

Team Scope

Silverbacks: Salmon Arm is arguably the best team right now in the BCHL. The 'Backs have a season high nine game winning streak, dating back to January 22nd when they lost to Trail 3-2.

Since the loss the Apes have scored an average of just under six goals per game and have scored five or more goals in a game six times.  Salmon Arm had two offensive explosions during this streak. The 'Backs thumped Prince George 11-4 and also beat up Alberni Valley 9-2.

Their success of late can be contributed to a red hot power-play. Salmon Arm is 7-30 in their last five games, which is roughly a 30 percent average, though most recently the man advantage has slightly tailed off. In their last two games the Silverback have not scored a power-play goal on eight opportunities, including an 0-6 night against Trail on February 11th. But at this point it seems like I'm splitting hairs.

Also Salmon Arm's success can be tied to their starts over the past nine games. In all but two games the Silverbacks scored the first goal and in seven of their nine games they had a lead of two goals or greater in the first or second periods. This team has been flying out of the starting blocks.

Kings: Powell River is the second hottest team in the circuit, right behind the Silverbacks. The Kings have strung together two wins and have won eight of their last nine games. Furthermore, the Kings are 8-2 in their past 10, just behind Salmon Arm's 9-1-0-0 mark.

After a disappointing performance Friday versus the Eagles, the Kings played a sound road game against the Capitals in a 3-1 win and cruised to a 6-3 win over Coquitlam. However, it isn't all rosy for the Kings. The coaches will be the first ones to tell you the performances against Surrey and Coquitlam left something to be desired.

Friday seemed like the team was still at game day skate when the first period started. The Eagles were given a 4-0 lead after the first period. Yes, the Kings made a game of it late but missing the first twenty minutes cost them in the end. On Sunday the Kings were guilty of being too cute and cutting corners in their game. Players were caught up in a run and gun style game, which isn't their forte.

Tonight has been talked about at length as a true test for the top BCHL team and an opportunity to flex their muscle one again.

Who's Hot: Chad Niddery is looking to extend his season high eight game point streak. The forward is coming off a three goal performance against the Express. Niddery in fact scored two of his goals short-handed, on two breakaways. Matt Garbowsky hasn't missed a step since returning from a two game hiatus. The centreman has three points in his last two games and goals in seven of his last nine games.  Jason Yee's assist on Sunday gives him six points in his last seven games.  Yes all six points have been helpers.

David Killip has one goal and five points in as many games. The forward is also looking to extend his assist streak to five straight games.  Rookie Cody Michelle is heating up as the winger is riding a four game point streak.  Mike Hammond just had his seven game point streak snapped in the 3-2 win over Trail on Saturday.

Injury Report: Cohen Adair, Dan Schuler and Teagan Waugh remain out for Powell River.  Add Scott Renner to the list due to illness.  Justin Bardarson will return tonight from his battle with strep throat.  Schuler could return as early as Friday. 

Stat Pack: The Silverbacks are the only BCHL team that the Kings do not have a win against this season.





Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Kings welcome the Silverbacks tomorrow

Tomorrow night the Salmon Arm Silverbacks pay a visit to the Hap Parker Arena. This will be the Apes' only visit to the Sunshine Coast this regular season. Salmon Arm has the rare distinction as the only BCHL team that has not lost to Powell River this season. The Apes edged the Kings 3-2 on October 23rd at the Sunwave Centre.

Salmon Arm is arguably the best team right now in the BCHL. The Apes are in the midst of a nine game winning streak. Their last loss came on January 22nd in a 3-2 decision to the Trail Smoke Eaters. The Apes are only three points back of Vernon for first place in the Interior Conference with a game in hand.

Let's take a closer look at the Gorillas


RECORD: 37-17-2-0 (2nd)
ROAD: 15-10-1-0 (6th)
LAST 10: 9-1-0-0
STREAK: 9 wins

POWER-PLAY: 28.91 74 PPG (1st)
Road: 25.62 31 PPG (1st)
PENALTY-KILL: 82.33 41 PPGA (3rd)
Road: 87.50 15 PPGA (2nd)
GF: 223 (3rd) GA: 183 (10th)

TEAM LEADERS
GOALS: Mike Hammond (38)
ASSISTS: Mike Hammond (48)
POINTS: Mike Hammond (86)
PPG: Mike Hammond / Jarryd Ten Vaanholt (13)
SHG: Mike Hammond (5)
GWG:  Brett Knowles / Bryce Gervais (6)




As you can see by the numbers, Mike Hammond has his finger prints all over the Silverbacks offense. The 20 year-old who came over from Cowichan Valley on the January 10th deadline has lived up to his billing. In 13 games with the Backs, Hammond has nine goals and 20 points. Hammond has only been held without a point in two games since joining Salmon Arm. In the 13 games, number 94 has had point streaks of four and seven games. In the most recent streak, which ended on Saturday, Hammond had five goals and fifteen points.


FORWARDS
Tim Kehler pulled the trigger on the trade to get the premier player that would help his team in the goal of dethroning the Vipers as the top dog in the Interior.  Hammond joins an already talented forward group with the likes of Brad Reid (former Express), Brett Knowles and David Killip.  When you factor in Jaaryd Ten Vaanholt, Devin Gannon and slick rookies Bryce Gervais and Morgan Zulinick, the forward personel is one of the deepest in the BCHL.

The Apes have seven forwards with forty or more points on the season. That's almost three full lines with significant firepower. Furthermore, three players have fifty or more points, in Hammond (86), David Killip (55) and Brett Knowles (52). In comparison, the Kings have five players with forty or more points and two with fifty or more (Chad Niddery 78 and Matt Garbowsky 73). The Kings receive plenty of praise about their depth up front, but is Salmon Arm flying under the radar?

In their nine game winning streak the Silverbacks have been shooting the lights out. The Apes have scored 52, yes, 52 goals in the nine game span. That's an average of 5.7 goals per game....whoa. Included in the streak is lopsided wins over Prince George (11-4) and Alberni Valley (9-2). Salmon Arm has scored five or more goals six times in their current winning streak.  However, with all that offense, does defense get lost in the shuffle?

DEFENSE

Salmon Arm's goals against average of 3.27 is 7th best in the BCHL. The Apes have conceded 75 more goals than Powell River, with one less game played.  They've surrendered an average of three goals against in their last nine games and opponents during that span have scored three or more goals six times. The question is can the Apes win tight games?

The evidence looks to support them as the Silverbacks are 16-3-2-0 in one goal games or less. For example a score line of 5-4 or 4-3. Furthermore, in low scoring one goal games such as 2-1 or 3-2, the Apes are
6-3-2-0. The numbers show this team can tighten it up when they have to.

The defense can also chip in up front as four defenders have twenty or more points. Clinton Atkinson leads the blue line in points with 46.  He is followed by Josh Manson who has 45, Jayson Reardon with 27 and  Charlie Vasaturo has 21. Much like Powell River, the Apes have multiple weapons from the blue line who aren't afraid to join the rush.

With the numbers on their side, does their style of play affect their goaltending?

GOALTENDING

Kris Moore, by word of mouth, is considered one of the better goaltenders in the BCHL. I know in September and early October, Moore was putting up impressive numbers before his hand injury. However, as of today he ranks only 9th in both goals against average(2.83) and save percentage (.911). Moore's partner, Kurt Williams, is 14th in goals against average (3.09) and seventh in save percentage (.914).Moore has started 13 more games than Williams and has been getting the majority of starts in last few months.

It's tough to say if those numbers are a victim of the offensive, up tempo game the Silverbacks play. I can't give a proper opinion as I have yet to see either goaltender this season. Neither was playing when the Silverbacks beat the Kings in October. Moore was injured and Williams was backing up then starter Chase Martin. Bottom line is both goaltenders have been backstopping their team to wins. Moore is 6-0-0-0 in his last six starts with a 3.00 GAA and a .912 save percentage.

As the regular season winds down, there are some very heated races for playoff positioning.  Salmon Arm is still gunning for the Number 1 seed in the Interior Conference as they are three points back of Vernon with a game in hand.  Salmon Arm is showing how important this game is to them, as they will be the first team this season to make the trip up the Sunshine Coast via the skies.  The team will be flying up to Powell River from Vancouver for the 20 minute flight as opposed to the 5 hour journey on the bus. 

We will see tomorrow if their strategy pays off.







Sunday, February 13, 2011

KINGS ON THE BALL AGAINST THE EXPRESS

  • Chad Niddery broke out for two short handed goals, both off breakaways, en route to a three goal performance. Niddery made two seperate moves against two different goaltenders on the shorty's. His first goal was a forehand to backhand deke that he roofed, the second he reversed the process, going backhand to forehand and slid it in on the ice. Great game from the co-captain.
  • Mitch Ball scored his first career BCHL goal in front of his hometown fans. Ball was fed a pass from Brenden Forbes from behind the goal and one timed the shot past starter Khaleed Devji. The crowd erupted when number 23 put number one in. A special moment for Ball indeed.
  • For the second straight game the Kings got a solid performance out of a new look line. Bond & Brendan Hawryluk along with Scott Renner teamed up for another goal. Renner was the recipient of a rebound from a Brendan Hawryluk wrist shot. That line used their size to their advantage over the Express and looked dangerous off the cycle.
  • It was the third game in two and a half days for both teams and it showed. The game wasn't a coaches dream as both teams let it all hang out so to speak. There were plenty of nice set ups and scoring chances on either side as defense at times was just a rumour.
  • As Geoff Grimmwood said in the post-game show, "we can't let bad habits creep in, regardless of who we are playing."  The Kings won't get away with this come Wednesday night when Salmon Arm comes to town.
  • Give credit to Khaleed Devji. The Express starting goaltender didn't make it to the third period, but that wasn't his fault. The first year starter was under seige for most of the first and second periods with the Kings coming at him in waves. The defense looked tired and at time the forwards looked disinterested in back checking.
  • A win's a win and the Kings will take the two points and move on. Wednesday will be a good one from the Hap Parker Arena.
  • The team had a touching pre-game ceremony for Kent Lewis, as he was honoured for his 500th win as a Head Coach & GM. Lewis has hit 500 in a hurry as he isn't even at the 900 mark for games coached. Way to go Lewy!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Kings crown Caps'

- Powell River picked up their first win in Cowichan Valley this season. You may recall the Caps won 5-4 in 2OT on November 13th. The Kings weren't about into another shoot out with Cow Valley.

- The win is the 42 of the season for Powell River and 19th on the road. The Kings have tied the franchise record for points in a season at 89. The 93-94 Paper Kings were the holders of that mark. However there was no overtime in that era and only ties. The record could have an asterisk beside it. The team is only two wins from tyng the franchise record of 44 also set in 93-94. Four games left, can they do it?

- Overall this was a big bounce back performance from the Kings. Last night was one of their worst games and 24 hours later this was a solid as solid can be on the road. Furthermore there were great rebound performances by quite a few players.

- You just knew Mike Garteig wasn't going go be beat tonight. For all his natural abilities what impresses me most is his fiery competiveness. The veteran goaltender was on tonight and was a steady hand in the crease. I think his saves tonight from a technical stand point were excellent.

- From Justin DaSilva to Zach Urban the back end was rock steady. Last night was proven as a one game anomaly. The Kings D-core shut down the line of Grant, Matheson and Cassidy, which was on fire coming into the game. They kept it simply with their outs and simply played within themselves.

- Carter Shinkaruk where has that shot been?!? A beauty! Shinkaruk's shirt side top shelf wrister was clutch. The Kings were at that point, clinging to a one goal lead. That goal was the straw that broke the Camels back. When Shinkaruk plays north-south, he can be scary good.

-  I would give a thumbs up to Mitch Ball in his second game as a King. If it wasn't for a rolling puck in the first, he would of had his first BCHL goal. He didn't look out of place and showed he can play at this level.

- in my opinion, it was the young pups who were the best for the Capitals. I thought Tyler Jones, Clayton Chessa and Chase Kaiser were their best line. They kept it simple, threw checks and generated chances of the cycle and rush.

- The Kings are back in action 18 hours later on Sunday afternoon against the Express. Both teams will be on the 10:15 ferry out of Little River, so no distinct travel advantage. Also both teams played tonight.

Bed time.

GAME PREVIEW: Kings vs. Capitals


RECORD: Kings- 41-9-3-2 Capitals- 20-28-1-7
LAST 10: Kings- 7-3-0-0 Capitals- 2-6-0-2
LAST 5: Kings- 4-1-0-0 Capitals- 2-3-0-0
POWER-PLAY: Kings- 22.01 (8) Capitals- 15.35 (15)
PENALTY-KILL: Kings- 88.11 (1) Capitals- 73.93 (13)



SEASON SERIES: The Kings make their second visit to the "big stick" in Duncan and their first since November 13th. The Capitals won that game in double overtime 5-4. The last time these two teams met, 13 goals were scored in four periods as the Kings erased a two goal third period deficit to win 7-6 in overtime on Jan 28th.

TEAM SCOPE

CAPITALS:  Cowichan Valley is coming off a 4-1 loss to Nanaimo at home on Friday Night. The Clippers staked themselves out to a 2-1 lead after two periods and added two more in the third from Ryan Stanimir and Kyle Kramer. Tyler Matheson was the only Capital to score, that coming in the second period.

The Capitals have now lost three of their last four games and are two points behind Coquitlam with one game played too many in the pursuit of the 7th and final playoff spot in the Coastal Conference.

KINGS: The Kings had their six game winning streak snapped last night at home to Surrey. The Eagles finished with two wins in three games at the Hap Parker Arena.

The Kings will get a boast up front with the return of Matt Garbowsky to the line-up. Garbowsky has missed the last two games with a lower body injury. The teams leading goal scorer will provide some much needed pop to the power-play and penalty-kill.

However, Powell River will be without Teagan Waugh, Cohen Adair, Dan Schuler Justin Bardarson and now Jon Jutzi, who is nursing a nagging injury.  The Kings will have a few holes to fill tonight against the Caps'.

WHO'S HOT: Matt Garbowsky was riding a five game goal streak and six game point streak before he was side lined with an injury, let's see if he can pick up where he left off one week ago. Even though he doesn't have  goal to his name, Jason Yee has collected four assists in the last five games. Andrew Pettitt has two goals and two helpers in five games as well. Chad Niddery looks to extend his points streak to seven games tonight.

Jordan Grant has four goals and seven points in the Capitals last five games. His line mate, Tyler Matheson is almost at par with Grant. Matheson has one goal and six points in his last five games.

INJURY REPORT: Cohen Adair, Teagan Waugh, Dan Schuler, Justin Bardarson and Jon Jutzi all did not make the trip for the Kings. Mitch Ball will wear sweater number 23 tonight in an AP role. Ball plays for the VIJHL Comox Valley Glacier Kings.

STAT PACK: The Kings are only 2-7-0-0 when they trail after two periods of play. Suffice to say they can't let that happen again tonight.
 


Friday, February 11, 2011

Eagles fly high against the Kings

*Note the road teams won all 7 games in the BCHL on Friday. I've never seen that this season.


- Surrey scored four goals on nine shots in the first period against Powell River. That's the first time the Kings allowed four goals in a single period. Mike Garteig was replaced after the first period. His goals against went from 1.58 to 1.66 after just 20 minutes. However two of the four goals were off his defenseman. Even the best have nights off.

- The Eagles used an effective two man fore check that caused all sorts of problems for the Kings in their zone. The KIngs were pressured and guilty of careless turnovers, with one resulting in Surrey's fourth goal. It was something 'er haven't seen very much of but give credit to the Eagles on a strong fore check.

- Players you hate to play against but love to have. That's how I would describe Tyler and Brandon Morley. Tyler had the second and third goals for the Eagles. Brandon chipped I. With a pair of assists and was a physical presence. They're small in stature but big when it counts.

- With Matt Garbowsky and Cohen Adair out, first and second in goal scoring, players needed to step up offensively. Chad Niddery answered the bell but after that it seemed like it fell on deaf ears. Niddery scored twice, and was a factor in one other that cut the deficit to one in the second. However the team fell flat after that though. Others need to step up tomorrow.

- All ten goals were scored even strength surprisingly enough. The Kings kept Surrey off thr score board on the power-play. Powell River scored once on five chances, and continued to show signs of improvement. The PP as climbed to 8th and shows no signs of slowing down. However that was one of only a few positives.

- Cole Thomson earned rave reviews on the broadcast. the AP 19 year-old forward worked his way to more minutes as the game wore on. He laid body, was aggressive on the Eagles D and created scoring chances. In my opinion he has earned another start.

- That was only the 4th regulation loss on home ice for the Kings. A weird fact all four losses came against two teams. One of which is Surrey.

GAME PREVIEW: Eagles vs. Kings



RECORD: Eagles 33-18-1-2 Kings 41-8-3-2
LAST 5: Eagles 3-2-0-0 Kings 5-0-0-0
STREAK: Eagles lost 2 Kings won 6

(5 game season series)
 HEAD TO HEAD: Eagles 1-3-1-0 Kings 3-1-1-0
ROAD/HOME: Eagles 1-1-0-0 Kings 1-1-0-0
POWER-PLAY: Eagles 4/24 (17%) Kings 7/26 (27%)
PENALTY-KILL: Eagles 19/26 (73%) Kings 20/24 (83%)
GOALS FOR: Eagles 9 Kings 17
POINTS LEADERS: Eagles- Richard Vanderhoek (2-3-5) Kings- Chad Niddery (3-5-8)


Season Series: This will be the sixth and final regular season meeting between the Kings and the Eagles. The two teams last met on February 3rd in Surrey, with the Kings picking up a 3-0 victory. The Kings have already won the series on points alone, however neither team wants to end on a losing note.

Team Scope

Eagles: The Eagles have hit a road block early in February. Surrey entered the last month of the regular season on a high, as their win February 2nd against Coquitlam was their third straight. However, since then the birds have lost two straight while being outscored 6-1.

The Eagles dropped a 3-0 decision to Powell River last Thursday at the South Surrey Arena. Mike Garteig was strong in that contest.  The third period was his busiest where he had to make some key saves to preserve the goose egg.  Garteig stopped 30 shots and in the process tied a BCHL single season shutout record. The Eagles were assesed two game misconducts in the game, as Mitch Jones was guilty of a check from behind and Dan Gentzler took a blow to the head major.  Gentzler's penalty automatically carries a two game suspension under the new Supplement rules.

One night later the Eagles ran into another hot goaltender in Victoria's Matt Ginn. The Holy Cross bound Ginn stopped 40 of 41 shots for first star honours in his teams 3-1 win. The Eagles struggles in their last two games can be contributed to their special teams.

In the two losses the Eagles went 0-10 on the power-play, including a 0-7 performance against the Grizzlies. Their penalty-kill has allowed at least one goal in five straight games.  Powell River has scored at least one power-play goal in all five contests this year.

Kings:  Powell River's win streak has now hit six games and they will look for their third straight against the Eagles tonight. The Kings took all three games on their Lower Mainland swing one week ago.

When dissecting the Kings winning streak over the last six games, look no further than the power-play which is 10/31 over that stretch. During their three game road trip the man advantage was clicking, going 5-17. Before Christmas the team struggled on power-play opportunities during key times in games. Recently they have reversed that trend.

There has also been a return to team defense like we were accustomed to seeing before the Christmas break. The Kings only gave up two goals in their last three games and three in their last four. The Cowichan contest was a stark reminder that if this team is not mentally sharp they can find themselves in trouble.

Who's Hot: Chad Niddery puts his six game assist streak on the line tonight against the Eagles. The veteran forward extened the streak with an assist on Bond Hawryluk's goal on Saturday. In fact, the line of Niddery with Bond and Brendan Hawryluk has five points in two games together. Point streaks came to an end on Saturday for Cohen Adair and Jon Jutzi. Adair was riding a five game streak whereas Jutzi was sitting on a four game streak.

In a season series perspective, Niddery has been a thorn in the Eagles side.  In five games Niddery has eight points. Matt Garbowsky (injured) has six points in five games against the Eagles.

Richard Vanderhoek leads the Eagles against the Kings. Vanderhoek has five points in as many games against the Kings.  However, all five points came in the series opening 6-5 win for the Eagles on September 19th.

Injury Report: Matt Garbowsky (lower body), Teagan Waugh (lower body), Cohen Adair (upper body), Dan Schuler (upper body) and Justin Bardarson (illness) are all out for the Kings. Insert AP Cole Thompson up front and Zach Urban on the back end for Powell River. The Kings will dress 11 forwards and 7 defensemen.

Not dressed for Surrey is Cobi Smith-Mass, Steve Koshey, Dale Hunt and Daniel Gentzler (suspension)

Stat Pack: The Kings have scored the first goal in four of the five games against the Eagles this season.
 



Kings wrap up 1st place; Eagles Today

  • Vernon's 5-4 loss in Salmon Arm on Wendesday clinched the BCHL Chevrolet Cup (Regular Season title) for the Powell River Kings.There are no playoff implications as the Kings will already enjoy home ice advantage throughout the post-season, however long that may be. The Coastal Conference title sealed the home ice advantage plus the Coastal Conference has home ice in the Fred Page Cup. The "Chevy Cup" is recognition well deserved for this team as it is another mark on a stellar season thus far.  It is the first regular season title in franchise history.  Maybe it makes room for another banner above the ice?
  • The team is busy preparing for a full schedule this weekend. Tonight kicks off a three games in two and a half days weekend for the Kings. The Eagles will be the opponent Friday at the Hap Parker Arena. The team will jump on the ferry Saturday for a date with Cowichan Valley in Duncan that night. It's a quick turn around, as the Kings race back to Powell River for a matinee contest against the Coquitlam Express on Sunday. When it's all said and done, the Kings will have played three games in 42 hours.
  • There will be two new faces in the Kings line up tonight. Two AP's will make their debuts in defenseman Zach Urban and forward Cole Thomson. Urban played his minor hockey in the Airdrie, AB system before attending the Okanagan Hockey Academy and was playing with the Penticton Lakers of the KIJHL this season. Some may remember Urban from the Kings camp in August. Urban is a 6'2 right handed defensman with lots of upside. Thompson is currently playing with the Kerry Park Islanders of the VIJHL. Thompson is a 19 year-old from Duncan who is currently sixth in VIJHL scoring with 21 goals and 51 points in 37 games.  Both will be in the line up against the Eagles.
  • As the season starts to wind down the awards debate starts to heat up. Within the team there are a few players to nominate for MVP. Matt Garbowsky (BCHL leading 40 goals), Chad Niddery (Team Assist leader) and Mike Garteig ( BCHL Leader in Wins, GAA, SV% and Shutouts) lead the charge for the Kings. The list could go even further with Justin DaSilva having a great season from the back end. Just goes to show you the depth on this year's squad. So, who would you pick and why?
  • Looking at a league stand point, the Kings might have a top nominee If you look from a league stand point, Mike Garteig would be one of the front runners for the Coastal Conference Player of the Year. Garteig has tied the league shutout record and is currently on pace to set a new goals against average mark as well. Give credit to the solid defense that plays in front of him on a nightly basis as the team is also working on a new BCHL goals against mark. Numbers don't lie and it would be hard to look past his numbers. Garteig could possibly be up for the CJHL Player of the Year award as well. It will be an interesting next few weeks to say the least.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

By the Numbers

Some numbers regarding the Powell River Kings

  • Score First: 33-3-3-1
  • Scored on First: 7-5-0-2
  • Lead After 1st: 27-1-1-1
  • Tied After 1st: 13-3-1-0
  • Trail After 1st: 1-4-1-0-0
  • Lead After 2nd: 32-0-2-0
  • Tied After 2nd: 2-2-1-1
  • Trail After 2nd: 3-6-0-0
  • Tied After 3rd: 2-0-3-2
  • One Goal Games: 5-4-0-2
  • Overtime: 2-2-3
  • More Shots: 37-4-0-2
  • Less Shots: 2-3-2
 Record Through the Week

Monday: No games
Tuesday: 4-0-0-0
Wednesday: 5-1-0-0
Thursday: 1-1-0-0
Friday: 16-1-2-1
Saturday: 12-3-0-1
Sunday: 3-2-1-0

Record:
Versus Coastal Conference: 29-5-3-2
Versus Interior Conference: 12-3-0-0
Versus Above .500 teams: 24-7-3-1
Versus Below .500 teams: 17-1-0-1
Dark Jerseys: 20-2-3-1
White Jerseys: 21-6-0-1
Matt Garbowsky Scores/point: 32-4-1-2
Chad Niddery Scores/point: 34-1-1-1
One or both don't Score/point: 14-6-3-1

  • Held teams to 1 goal in a game 21 times

Scoring Trends-Last time player scored

3 Braden Pears: 3 games (Jan 30th)
4 Brendan Hawryluk: 1 game (Feb 4th)
6 Klay Kachur: 3 games (Jan 30th)
7 Brenden Forbes: 1 game (Feb 4th)
8 Teagan Waugh: 3 games (Jan 30th)
9 Matt Garbowsky: 1 game (Feb 4th)
10 Andrew Pettitt: 1 game (Feb 4th)
11 Justin Bardarson: 3 games (Jan 30th)
12 Bond Hawryluk:-- (Feb 5th)
14 Carter Shinkaruk: 12 games (Jan 7th)
15 Jason Yee: 86 games (Nov 20th 2009)
16 Mike Sones: 4 games (Jan 28th)
17 Dan Schuler: 4 games (Jan 28th)
18 Steven Schmidt: 9 games (Jan 18th)
20 Chris Williams: 13 games (Jan 2nd)
21 Chad Niddery: 4 games (Jan 28th)
22 Cohen Adair: 2 games (Feb 3rd)
24 Jon Jutzi: 2 games (Feb 3rd)
25 Justin DaSilva: -- (Feb 5th)
27 Craig Dalrymple: 6 games (Jan 22nd)
44 Scott Renner: 30 games (Nov 12th)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

GARTEIG NAMED BCHL POW

For the second straight week a Powell River King has been named the BCHL Player of the Week. Mike Garteig earned his second nod after a terrific weekend on the Lower Mainland.

From the BCHL website:

Powell River Kings goaltender Michael Garteig is the British Columbia Hockey League Player of the week for the week ending February 6, the league announced Monday.

Garteig went 3-0 in three road games for the Kings, picking up his seventh shutout on the season which ties a BCHL record. The Prince George native allowed just two goals in the three games, helping Powell River strengthen its grip on first-place overall in the league.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound 19-year-old racked up some gaudy numbers on the way to his second Player of the Week nod this season. He turned in a 0.67 goals-against average, a .978 save percentage and his shutout tied him with former Prince George Spruce Kings and Merritt Centennials goalie Brad Thiessen for the most in one season.

Monday, February 7, 2011

MONDAY MUSINGS

After a brief hiatus, the feature is back and I have a few thoughts and opinions to share with you..

  • Belated I know, but congratulations to Kings Head Coach Kent Lewis on his 500th win in the BCHL. The milestone was reached in Friday's 5-1 win over the Express. I made no mention of it through the weekend,maybe as a superstitious habit. Not many other coaches can say the have 500 wins beside their name. Kent tells me his first win came in september of 1990. A 6-1 thrashing of the Victoria Warriors at the Memorial Arena. Look for an interview with Kent very shortly.
  • The Kings moved up one spot to second in the CJHL weekly rankings. The Kings are behind the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL. For the first time this season three BCHL teams are in the top 20, as Salmon Arm comes in at 18 and Vernon enters the top ten.
  • Could a Powell River King be picked again for the BCHL Player of the Week? Matt Garbowsky had a 10 point effort one week ago. This past week, Mike Garteig went 3-0-0 with one shut out and he stopped 89 of 91 shots faced. Garteig had a save percentage of .978 and a 0.67 goals against average. Hard to argue against those numbers.
  • The Kings are well on their way to setting a new BCHL record for fewest goals against in a season.  The record is119, set by Vernon one season ago. This past weekend put the team back on track as they have only allowed 98 goals, with six games remaining.
  • I think it would be neat to compare this team to the 93-94 Paper Kings who hold he franchise record for most wins and points. It would be a great topic of debate among fans who were around for both era's. Which one is better?
  • I need some help on this one. I was told that the Kings 18 road wins this season is indeed a franchise record for the Kings. Correct me if I'm wrong in the comment section below or email me.
  • This past weekend showed me that the Junior "A" supplement isn't as clear as I thought. I came away with the impression that even some officials are still hazy on a few areas, in particular blows to the head.
  • The supplement was put in place to curb head shots, dangerous hits and non hockey plays such as fighting. I have yet to see a decrease in any of those areas. The head shot is the topic du jour right now in hockey circles. Hits to the head calls are up but is that because they are being called more? I have seen more head shots and dangerous hits this season under the supplement. Granted I covered a different Jr. A leauge last season (SJHL), but I don't feel the players are being any more protected this season than from season's past.
  • Why? Plain and simple... fighting. Like those who said the instigator rule hurts the NHL, I believe the Supplement hinders player safety in the BCHL. I'll make this clear, I'm not promoting fighting in our game, but I believe it serves a purpose. There is a reason why it has lasted the test of time in hockey.  Being accountable for your actions is key.
  • A perfect example came from Saturday's game in Langley. In the second period Steven Schmidt caught Brad McBride with a solid hit at the Kings blue line. McBride felt he was in a vulnerable spot, didn't like the hit, and went to Schmidt in the corner. Schmidt obliged and both took part in a spirited scrap. Score settled right there. No issues, no one going after each other later in the game with the potential of injury.
  • My worry is when a similar play happens and the two players involved have their fights at five and can't scrap. That's when the bad blood carries on and someone can be a target for a dangerous hit.
  • Finally, on a lighter note, Happy Birthday to Kings Assistant Coach Geoff Grimwood.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

WEEKEND ROUND UP

Sunday, February 6, 2011

WEEKEND ROUND UP

  • The Kings may have clinched first place in the Coastal Conference and with that a first round bye, however there is still plenty to play for.
  • The Kings need two more points to clinch first place in the BCHL regular season standings. The Vipers are the only team standing in the way. Vernon would have to win their remaining five games and hope for the Kings to lose out the remaining six games on their schedule. It is still possible for the two teams to tie for first place.
  • One more win ties the franchise single season point total at 89. The Kings need three points in their remaining games to pass that record. They can also set a new single season win total in franchise history. The Kings would need to win four of their remaining six to do that. Both records are currently held by the '93-94 Paper Kings. That season they finished with a 44-15-1 record for 89 points.
  • As everyone is well aware by now, Michael Garteig only needs one shut out to set a new single season BCHL record. His shut out on Thursday tied the mark set by Brad Thiessen in 2005-2006. Garteig was unlucky not to have picked up clean sheets Friday and Saturday. I haven't seen him play better then he is right now.
  • Matt Garbowsky still leads the BCHL in goals with 40 and still has a good chance of hitting 45 on the season. I will admit I am personally cheering for him to win the scoring title. No question he is one of, if not the best player in the league. However I find him an even better person away from the ice. Show me a player who is funnier than him. The kid has a great sense of humour.
  • Don't look now but Garteig can also set another goaltending record. As it stands now, Garteig's 1.58 GAA is a BCHL record. Vernon's Blake Voth set the record last year with a 1.79 GAA. Garteig does have some breathing room with six games left.
  • As a team, the Kings helped themselves this weekend in their pursuit of the BCHL record for fewest goals against in the season. Once again that record was set last year by Vernon with 119. The Kings have only allowed 97.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

GAME PREVIEW: Kings vs. Chiefs


RECORD: Chiefs-- 28-20-1-7 Kings-- 40-8-3-2
LAST 5: Chiefs-- 2-3-0-0 Kings-- 5-0-0-0
STREAK: Chiefs-- won 1 Kings-- won 5 

(7 game season series)
HEAD TO HEAD:  Chiefs-- 2-3-1-0 Kings--3-1-1-1
HOME/ROAD: Chiefs-- 14-7-1-5 Kings-- 17-5-3-1
POWER-PLAY: Chiefs-- 1/24 Kings-- 7/33
PENALTY-KILL: Chiefs-- 26/33 Kings-- 23/24
GF: Chiefs--12 Kings-- 19
GA Chiefs-- 19 Kings-- 12
POINTS LEADERS: Chiefs-- Josh Myers 4-0-4 Kings-- Justin DaSilva 2-5-7


Season Series: This is the 8th and final meeting between The Kings and Chiefs. Langley won the last encounter, 4-2 at home on January 2nd. The Kings have already won the series on total points but want to end this regular season saga on a winning note.

Team Scope

Chiefs: Langley is coming off a 4-2 come from behind win over Victoria on Thursday night. Josh Myers stole the show with a second period natural hat-trick to set the comeback trail for the Chiefs. One of the three goals was a short handed marker as well and Myers finished with a four point night.

The win was much needed as the Chiefs were coming off back to back losses to Cowichan Valley and Coquitlam last weekend. Before that the Chiefs dropped four straight games from January 12th to 20th, granted two of those losses were in overtime.

Penalty trouble continues to be their nemesis. Coming into tonight's game, Langley has been short handed a league leading 322 times. That is 24 more times then the second most penalized team in Cowichan Valley. If your going to play on the edge, then your penalty-kill needs to be good and at times it has and at times it hasn't for Langley. As of today they are 11th in the league with a 77.02 average on the PK. They did only limit the Grizzlies to one goal on seven opportunities, but that's just it, Victoria had seven power-plays.

Furthermore, the Kings have scored at least one power-play goal in all seven meetings this season against the Chiefs. Going forward this team will need find a way to be more disciplined come the playoffs.

Kings: Powell River clinched the Coastal Confernce regular season pennant last night with their 5-1 win over Coquitlam, which also secures the team a first round bye in the playoffs. The team does still have a couple of objectives to complete. The Kings only need four more points to clinch the BCHL regular season title and five more points to surpass the franchise record for points in a season. The Kings best record was in 93-94 when they won 44 games and collected 89 points.

More pressing is the fact the Kings want to make amens for that 4-2 loss the last time they paid a visit to the Langley Events Centre. In that game the Chiefs were allowed to score four consecutive goals, including a short handed tally from Josh Myers. To a man, the Kings can tell you that know one played that well.

Powell River does come in with a five game winning streak and a 8-2-2-1 record against the Lower Mainland teams. Their only regulation losses came September 19th against Surrey (6-5) and against Langley as mentioned. Also this may surprise you, but the Kings have yet to sweep and road trip with three or more games scheduled. Tonight will provide the last opportunity this season for the Kings. Powell River has gone undeafted however they have tied Surrey and Langley on those trips.

Who's Hot: Matt Garbowsky is probable for tonight's game tonight and has a chance to extend his goal streak to six games and point streak to seven. Also Garbowsky is inching closer to 45 goals, as he hit the 40 goal plateau last night. Though his goal streak ended last night at four games, with an assist Cohen Adair extended his point streak to five games. Chad Niddery also is riding a five game assist streak.

Josh Myers is the midst of a modest two game goal scoring streak for the Chiefs. He has four goals in his last two games. Kody Dhaliwal likes to play against the Kings, in seven games Dhaliwal has three goals and four points. Only Myers has scored more goals against the Kings.

Injury Report: Matt Garbowsky did not suffer a serious injury last night and most likely good to go for tonight's game. Scott Renner sat out last night after picking up a upper body injury on Friday. Renner is a game time decision. Dan Schuler remains out of the line up with his own upper body injury.

Stat Pack: D-Fence? try O-Fence. Justin DaSilva leads all Kings in scoring against the Chiefs with seven points. Did you know Chris Williams has scored three of his four goals against Langley. Two of which have come on the road.

Friday, February 4, 2011

GAME PREVIEW: Kings vs. Express




                                                    
18-23-1-9                         39-8-3-2 


 SEASON SERIES: This is the fifth meeting between Powell River and Coquitlam and final at the Coquitlam Sports Arena. The last meeting was January 7th in Powell River with the Kings winning 5-2. The Kings have won the previous four encounters over the Express. This two teams conclude their season series next Sunday in Powell River.

TEAM SCOPE

EXPRESS: Has the Express playoff train derailed? Coquitlam were defeated 5-2 at home on Wednesday  by the Surrey Eagles. The loss is their fourth in their past five games. Making matter worse is injuries and illness to key players.

The Express were without Gerrick Perry as he has been sitting out with a upper body injury. Also in Wednesday's game Michael Krgovich, who has been the best Express player in the past five games, was missing due to the flu.  Perry has been sidelined since a hit he took over a week ago I believe in a game against the Cowichan Valley Capitals.

Also the Express will need leading scorer Massimo Lamacchia to turn things around if this team wants to secure the 7th and final playoff spot over Cowichan. Lamacchia hasn't registered a point since a two goal effort on January 22nd against Vernon. That's now four games without a point for number 23.

Team defense might be the achilles heel of  late as well. In four of their past five games the Express have surrendered four plus goals. In fact, the Express have allowed 23 goals against in their last five games. Their team goals against average of 4.17 is only better then Prince George's 4.71. Playing better five on five will be the key tonight for the Express.

KINGS:  Powell River comes in winners of their last four games and seven of their last nine. Last night's 3-0 win over Surrey was their 16th on the road this season. Out of all three Lower Mainland teams, the Kings road record is 7-1-2-0. Suffice to say the Kings enjoy their time in the Greater Vancouver area.

Contributing to the Kings success has been the turn around on their power-play. Last night the Kings scored two more power-plays goals and are now 6-12 in the past two games. The power-play has climbed from 10th to 8th and is sitting at just under 22 percent on the season.

However it isn't all good news for the Kings. In last night's third period Matt Garbowsky was given a five minute fighting major and that would make it the second fight in the same stoppage.

The Junior "A" Supplement ruling as follows:

When two fights occur during the same stoppage of play,  If there is no instigator in the second fight – each player is suspended 1 game and the team is fined $500.00.

Garbowsky did not receive an instigator so as it stands he would be serving a one game suspension. The issue at hand is he did not fight. The video shows Garbowsky, with his gloves on, wrestle with Colton Mackie of Surrey. Neither player every threw a punch in the scuffle. The team is awaiting word from the league if the call will be changed.

WHO'S HOT: If he does play, Garbowsky has a chance to extend his goal streak to five games and point streak to six. Garbowsky has 12 points in his last five games. Cohen Adair is also on a four game scoring streak and has six points in the last five games. Jon Jutzi's goal last night extends his point streak to four games as well. Chad Niddery has nine points (3-6-9) in his last five games. Mike Garteig needs one more shut out to claim the single season record with eight.

Michael Krgovich is the hottest Express player of late. Krgovich has four goals and five points in as many games. Destry Straight has one goal and four points in the same stretch and  Jason Grecica has two goals and four points.

INJURY / SUSPENSIONS: Dan Schuler (Upper Body) remains out for the Kings. No word as of yet if Garbowsky will be suspended. Gerrick Perry has been nursing an upper body injury and will be questionable.

STAT PACK: Matt Garbowsky surpassed the 100 point plateau last Sunday versus Victoria