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Returning defender makes presence felt

Powell River Kings shore up roster with new additions
kings defence
BLUELINER BACK: Defender Carmine Buono returned to the Powell River Kings lineup and assisted on two goals in his team’s final game of 2016. Kings beat Nanaimo 4-1 on Friday, December 30. Alicia Baas photo

After a four-game losing streak, Powell River Kings closed out 2016 with a 4-1 win over Nanaimo Clippers on Friday, December 30, in BC Hockey League Island Division action.

Defender Carmine Buono, playing his first game of the season after returning from college hockey, made an impact, assisting on two second period goals, one by Gavin Rauser and another from Cam Donaldson on a power play.

Kings assistant captain Curtis McCarrick added his 10th goal of the season,  rookie Ben Berard notched his 15th and goaltender Mitch Adamyk had a strong game in net with 27 saves. Kings outshot the Clippers 33-28.

While on scholarship at University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he played 20 games in 2015-2016 and two more earlier this season, Buono left the school.

“I just don’t think it was the right fit for me,” said Buono, who added that he plans to play out his eligibility with the Kings and work his way back to the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Even though Buono was last with the Kings two seasons ago, he should fit back into the team’s system quickly, according to head coach Kent Lewis.

“There will be a little bit of time to adapt to some set plays, but it won’t take him very long,” said Lewis. “Hockey isn’t overly complicated.”

In another move, Lewis said the Kings have brought in defender Matt Cairns, who was selected 84th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round of the 2016 National Hockey League draft. Lewis said Cairns will fit in well with the Kings program.

“84th overall is not low,” said Lewis.

Cairns and Buono, who are both left-shooting defenders, are big acquisitions for the Kings and will bring a lot of experience to the blue line and to the offence, said the coach.

“Everything starts from the back end,” said Lewis. “Your breakouts and a lot of your power play is set up at the top.”

Kings remain in second place in the BC Hockey League’s Island Division, 10 points behind Victoria Grizzlies.

Powell River kicks off the 2017 portion of its schedule at 7:15 pm on Friday, January 6, with a game against Prince George at Hap Parker Arena. Coquitlam visits the following evening, also at 7:15 pm, and Alberni Valley comes to town Tuesday, January 10; game time is 7 pm.