The Kings got this Island road swing off to a perfect start on Friday with a 4-1 victory over Alberni. Tonight it’s over to Victoria for the 1st game of the year against the Grizzlies. Here’s the rundown:
The Vitals
Game: Powell River Kings vs Victoria Grizzlies
Arena: Bear Mountain Arena
Puck Drop: 7:15pm
Broadcast: Starting at 7:00pm live on 95.7 SunFM
The Numbers
Kings This Season vs Grizzles: 0-0-0-0
Last Meeting: Kings won 4-1 (March 16th, 2011)
Kings at Home: 10-2-1
Kings on the Road: 4-7-1-1
What’s What for the Kings
Last night’s performance from the Kings, highlighted by Craig Dalrymple’s 4-point night, ranks up there as one of the better, if not the best game the Kings have played all season. The Kings controlled a large majority of the play, and when the Bulldogs did get their chances, Jamie Phillips made some spectacular saves to preserve the victory. Unfortunately for the Kings, this has been the story all season. One night, great offensive flair, special teams contribute and the Kings receive solid goaltending, but the next night, it’s a totally different side skating onto the ice. The Kings didn’t win back-to-back games in November en route to a 500 record in the month. That has to change, and consistancy will be the focus in December.
Tonight for the Kings, they will once again short handed up front. Cohen Adair’s status, as of this posting, is unknown following his hit to the head major on Branden Halls in the 2nd period. If the call on the ice is upheld, it would be Cohen’s 2nd hit to the head major this season, and he would sit for longer than the 2 games he sat last weekend. Also out are Steve Schmidt and Brendan Forbes with concussion and foot injuries respectively. With two and a half centremen (Cohen usually plays a wing on a full squad, but can play centre if needed) out of the lineup, a big night on the dot from Carter Shinkaruk, Evan Richardson, Jarryd Leung and Tanner Cochrane will be needed. Expect Jamie Phillips to get the start in goal following his performance last night, although I haven’t received confirmation on that as of this post.
What’s What for the Grizzles
The Grizzlies lead the Coastal Conference in goals scored this year, and are 2nd in the league only to Penticton. Most of those seemed to come against the Clippers, as in the 6 games the two squads have played this season, a total of 58 goals were scored, with the lowest goal total being 5 in a single game from both sides.
It’s a run and gun team which will lead on Wade Murphy who has surprised many by reaching 50 points in 27 games, after scoring just 16 all of last season. The speed of this Grizzlies side is also a valueable asset, and it will be that speed which the Grizzlies will use to try and beat the Kings tonight.
What’s on the Broadcast tonight?
In our 1st intermission, we’ll replay Craig Dalrymple’s interview which aired this morning on Team 1040, and across the country on the Bell GlobeMedia radio network. He spoke with TSN’s Geno Reda earlier in the week on his journey from Ontario to Powell River, as well as his future at Ohio State University. Thanks to the RBC Junior Hockey Magazine for producing the interview and letting us air it. During the 2nd intermission, another episode of our RBC Contenders Series, this time to the MJHL’s Winnipeg Blues and their Head Coach and GM, Don MacGuillivary.
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