In the first of a three-game home stand on September 30 at Hap Parker Arena, Powell River Kings defeated Alberni Valley Bulldogs 4-1 in front of 960 fans.
Powell River’s power play was the difference, scoring on three out of five chances.
"We had better movement and we weren't turning down some shots; we found some lanes,” said head coach Kent Lewis. “The bottom line is we moved.”
Lewis said the team was abysmal on the power play at the recent BCHL Showcase, particularly in a 4-2 loss against Trail Smoke Eaters, scoring on only two of its 16 chances over two games.
The difference against the Bulldogs, according to Lewis, was challenging each of his special-team units. The better unit is going to end up with more ice time, he said.
“The best unit is going to get more time on the power play and that leads to good puck possession,” said Lewis. “What leads to good possession is hunger for the puck and hunger for rebounds. It's about executing.”
Rookie Kyle Kawamura scored the first goal on a power play early in the first period and was chosen as second star of the game. Ben Berard, who was named first star, scored what proved to be the winning goal in the second period.
Defender Carmine Buono scored the insurance goal in the third period, also on a power play, followed by fellow defender Kevin Obssuth’s fourth goal of the season to round out the scoring.
Obssuth is tied for first in BC Hockey League power play goals with four while teammate Jonny Evans leads in power play assists with 12.
Kings have two players among the top 10 in league scoring. Evans is tied for third with 13 points and Carter Turnbull is fifth with 11.
Lewis said his team will face strong opponents over the next five games on its schedule.
“We'll be a better team than the last time we played Trail,” he said. “We were a little too cool for school on that one. It was a good wakeup call for us. Trail and Wenatchee will be good hockey for the fans.”
Kings next action is Friday, October 6, when they host Trail. Wenatchee provides the oppostion on Saturday, October 7. Both games start at 7 pm at Hap Parker Arena.
