Goaltending might not always win hockey championships; teams need to score goals, too. But guys between the pipes can steal wins, swing momentum with a big save and carry teams into and through the playoffs.
Powell River Kings hope newly acquired veteran goalie Brian Wilson will help them go deep into the 2016/17 BC Hockey League (BCHL) postseason.
After a disappointing playoff run ended with Nanaimo Clippers sweeping the Kings in a best-of-seven, second-round series, the local club was left without a returning goaltender heading into training camp, which opened Monday, August 22.
Last season’s tandem, comprised of Jeff Smith and Stefan Wornig, has moved on. Smith is about to start his college career at St. Cloud State and Wornig was traded to Prince George Spruce Kings in April.
After a trade with Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, the hole in net has been filled.
“We’ll have three good goaltenders at camp,” said Kings head coach Kent Lewis. “Brian [Wilson] will be the lead hand and it’s his task to be the number-one guy.”
Lewis said he likes the depth at the goaltender position, with Wilson and prospects Mitch Adamyk, 18, and Matteo Paler-Chow, 17, all at camp.
With this season being his last year of junior eligibility, Wilson likes the trade that brought him from Okotoks, where he filled a backup role last year and faced a similar situation this year with the Oilers starting goalie returning.
Wilson wanted to be a starter in his final year and said he is ready for the challenge.
“Last year my goalie partner had an awesome year,” said Wilson. “He ended up getting a lot of playing time. I’ve experienced the big minutes before and I’m ready to get those back.”
According to Lewis, Wilson has worked with coaches that Kings goalie coach Brett Magnus is familiar with; that connection has proven positive.
Wilson agreed the Kings will be a good fit for him.
“The organization has pumped out a lot of good goalies in the last few years and I’m excited to be a part of that,” said Wilson. “I know [Lewis] demands a lot from his goalies and that’s perfect. He’s really going to push me this year.”
Lewis said he will be pushing every player and the team is strong at every position as camp starts.
“We have a good nucleus of returning defence,” said Lewis. “We have a strong returning core of forwards and we’re adding in some really good players. Main camp will be very competitive in the defensive position and we’re going to have some tough decisions to make there, and also with the forwards. Our depth up front is very good.”
Four defencemen return from last season: Andy Stevens, Brandon Kennedy, Jack Long and Jake Kohlhauser. That core will provide Wilson with a solid blue line.
“I’ve heard we have some big guys on the back end,” said Wilson. “I know the Kings have a reputation of being a good defensive team, which is always exciting as a goalie to be coming into that.”
After an injury late in the offseason, Wilson is fit and ready for camp.
“I had a high ankle sprain just recently,” he said. “I didn’t miss too much time in the gym. The last few weeks I’ve been on it almost every day, so I feel as prepared as ever.”
According to Lewis, he has a great group of players at camp and the veterans are more determined than ever after the way last season ended.
“Guys are feeling a little upset about that, so they’re coming in with good energy and good focus,” he said. “We want to be the best team in the country and it’s time we do that.”
