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Powell River Kings win game five of division final

Goalie Brian Wilson’s second playoff shutout leads team to 3-0 win with chance to take series at home
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TAKING CONTROL: Powell River Kings forward Kyle Betts [right] celebrates a goal with teammate Tristan Mullin during game five of the BC Hockey League Island Division final versus Victoria Grizzlies. Kings now lead the series 3-2. Alicia Baas photo

[Update: Powell River Kings lost 4-2 in game six of the BC Hockey League Island Division final versus Victoria Grizzlies on Saturday, March 25. Game seven is in Victoria on Monday, March 27.]

With timely scoring and stellar play from goaltender Brian Wilson, Powell River Kings defeated Victoria Grizzlies 3-0 on Thursday, March 23.

The win in Victoria gives Powell River a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven BC Hockey League Island Division final. Heading home to Hap Parker Arena for game six on Saturday, March 25, Kings are one win away from moving on to round three of BCHL playoffs.

According to head coach Kent Lewis, game five was the best his team has played during the playoffs and an excellent road win.

“It was our best 60-minute game of the playoffs,” said Lewis. “I sensed it physically and mentally on the bench; there was an awareness in battles, under duress and in making good mental decisions. We were engaged and that’s what I liked the most.”

Lewis said the win was redemption for the performance in game four, which the Kings lost at home 5-4 in overtime. He said the team blew the game with a poor effort.

Wilson stopped 34 shots in game five and was named first star. Kings directed 26 shots at the Grizzlies net.

Kyle Betts’ fourth goal of the playoffs and the series, just 11 seconds into the first period, proved to be the winner. Betts deserves high praise, said the coach.

“You never deny the hardest working kids who play in this program,” said Lewis. “I always told Kyle, because he was snake-bit for a while, ‘You’re getting the chances, just keep plugging and keep shooting.’ He’s a tireless worker and takes a lot of abuse. I’m sure glad he’s on our team.”

Tristan Mullin assisted on the Betts marker, along with Johan Steen. Mullin's exceptional playoff performance continues, including the opening round when Kings swept Cowichan Valley Capitals in four straight games and throughout round two with the Grizzlies. Currently, Mullin is ranked number three on BCHL player of the game rankings.

Kings slim lead held through a scoreless second period and into the third until the 11:59 mark, when Jonny Evans scored his sixth of the playoffs assisted by Cam Donaldson. Curtis McCarrick rounded out the scoring with his third of the playoffs from Gavin Rauser and Liam Lawson.

Just over 1,000 fans attended games three and four at Hap Parker Arena. Game six puck drop is at 5 pm.

“Our crowds have been fantastic.” said Lewis. “We’re going to see bigger numbers on Saturday than we’ve had in the other home games, and there’s going to be a lot of energy.”