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.