The Powell River Kings earned their 15th win of the season Friday night after beating the Prince George Spruce Kings 4-1 at Kopar Memorial Arena.
Coming off a strong victory last Sunday over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks at the BCHL Road Show in Burns Lake, the Spruce Kings looked to replicate that effort against the Kings back inside their home rink. Although the Spruce Kings outshot their opponents 37-25, Powell River was able to capitalize on their opportunities and come away with the win.
This victory enhanced the Powell River record up to 15-23-3-3. On the other hand, the Spruce Kings’ record goes down to 23-17-4-1.
Goaltender Liam Vanderkooi had his hands full throughout the game against Prince George, as he made a total of 36 saves and managed to secure his seventh victory of the season.
The opening period was scoreless, however, there would be a cross-checking penalty to Powell River’s Sam Schoenfeld, putting Prince George on their first powerplay of the game.
Prince George’s powerplay unit was unable to seize the opportunity in the second period but just moments later, another penalty would be given to Powell River: a goaltender interference penalty to Casey Aman. Once again, the Spruce Kings were unable to score on the man advantage.
Powell River eventually opened the scoring as Turner Richards beat Spruce Kings’ goalie Jordan Fairlie 5:14 into the second period, making the score 1-0.
Later in the period, Kai Greaves went to the penalty box giving Powell River their first chance on the power play. Powell River doubled their lead midway through the second period, capitalizing on the powerplay to make the score 2-0.
Another penalty would be given out to the Spruce Kings as Michael Adamek would head off for cross-checking, giving Powell River another chance on the power play.
Late in the second period, Parker Lalonde ended up scoring the Kings’ third tally of the evening, finishing out the second period with a score of 3-0 in favour of Powell River.
Heading into the final period of play, Aidan Feddama subbed in for Jordan Fairlie between the pipes. Feddema finished the night saving six-of-seven shots.
Around five minutes into the final period of play, Ben Lefranc scored off a faceoff win from Jack Stockfish, spoiling Liam Vanderkooi’s shutout. The goal marked the PG defenceman’s fourth of the season.
Four minutes later, Powell River responded with a goal of their own as Anthony Lucarelli found the back for the second time in the game. The goal established Powell River’s three-goal lead and went on to defeat the Spruce Kings 4-1 and earned a much-needed two points as they work to secure a playoff position in the Coastal Division.
The Spruce Kings are back on the ice on Saturday, February 25 when they face the Penticton Vees. The last time the two teams met, the Spruce Kings came out victorious beating the Vees 3-0 on January 7.